What's the first thing you think of when you hear the name, "Vegas Golden Knights?" For Las Vegans, it exemplifies excellence from "Day F****** One," showing a team's commitment to excellence. Ironically, the Raiders claim that statement, only to be as good as Boogie2988 in the boxing ring.
If you're from outside of Las Vegas, well, you probably hate the Golden Knights. You cry about Kelly McCrimmon using his devilish magic to circumvent the salary cap. You believe that Gary Bettman gave them a championship franchise from the first season, where they made the Stanley Cup Final in their first season. You consider starting a web show called "PuckWars" to delve into the conspiracy of the NHL going against Canada.
Regardless of where you live, Vegas has become a controversial team since their inception. They've only missed the playoffs in one season, making two Stanley Cup Finals and winning a Stanley Cup in the process. On top of that, you have three Pacific Division titles and four semifinal appearances since joining the NHL.
Rumors have circulated around a certain megastar being on the trade market... again. His team wants to get a contract extension done but that player might have second thoughts. Fans are growing tired of the rumors around said player, yet they'll grow even more weary when McCrimmon breaks his promise of not making a trade deadline splash. Get ready, dear reader. This speculation will make people's heads explode.
Yes, Mikko Rantanen rumors are back again. The Vegas Golden Knights have been linked
I'm sorry to hockey fans on Twitter who have been subjected to more Mikko Rantanen rumors after being traded to Carolina. But it seems the mill is up and running again. The winger has been his usual self this season, scoring 26 goals and 41 assists in 2024-25. Still, outlets such as the New York Times and Elliotte Friedman (yes, the real deal) have speculated and talked about the possibility. Even Frank Seravalli believes he's a trade target.
That's not to say that the Hurricanes aren't trying to extend him, though. They recently offered the Finnish forward a nine-figure deal. That's right. $100 million for the megastar. Getting him locked up for the long term could propel them to Stanley Cup contenders for years to come.
In 1998, the Seattle Mariners told Randy Johnson that a contract extension "wasn't feasible." They traded the pitcher to the Houston Astros as a result, who eventually wound up on the Arizona Diamondbacks and won the World Series. As for the Mariners? They remain baseball's resident incels, being the only MLB team without a World Series appearance. Nice job, Howard Lincoln.
That's where the Hurricanes currently stand with Rantanen, only the winger might have second thoughts. If he's put on the trading block again, you best believe that an array of suitors (including the Vegas Golden Knights) will be interested. Why not pair the two-time All-Star with a fellow superstar like Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel? It would make too much sense.
What makes a potential deal for Rantanen even more interesting
Consider the following, dear reader. This part of the Rantanen speculation adds even more suspense. What am I referring to, you ask?
Teams could view Mikko Rantanen as an NHL trade deadline rental target, according to @FriedgeHNIC 👀
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) February 21, 2025
Carolina could retain salary in a trade, making Rantanen’s remaining cap hit $2.3M. pic.twitter.com/YA2somT0da
A cap hit of $2.3 million would be a fever dream for Kelly McCrimmon. He's well-versed in having other teams pick up the tab and this would be no different. Imagine getting a world-class winger at a discounted price. It's enough to make other hockey fans cry in their beer cans.
But this looks like a dream for Golden Knights fans for a few reasons. First, you'd have to explore getting him a massive contract extension that will bleed into the nine-digit mark. Remember, Jack Eichel will have one year remaining after this season. He'll also need a massive deal that will creep up in AAV. If you're McCrimmon, it's nearly impossible to get him on a cheaper deal.
In fact, the trade itself will likely require an ample package. We're talking prospects, draft picks, and maybe a regular player. Looking at the first trade, Martin Necas went to the Avalanche. It'll require a better player to make the deal happen. Where is McCrimmon finding that player?
Watching Eichel get another weapon on his line is fun to think about. It's also something guaranteed to make the other 31 fanbases rage hard. Is it going to happen? Not if the Golden Knights stay true to their word and make minor moves. Still, the NHL needs a new Evil Empire. Let's put Vegas into that role.