As I was browsing around social media, I noticed a little move the Vegas Golden Knights were doing with Alexander Holtz. It was an attempt to build up cap space for another move, indicating the team might not be done settling their roster.
The Golden Knights have continued to move players on and off the roster in an attempt to accrue cap space, further indicating they will be active at the deadline. Raphael Lavoie and Alex Holtz were both sent to the AHL today.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) February 6, 2025
Holtz has been the one seeing the most transactions.…
Of course, they're not just doing this with Holtz. They're also doing this with players like Raphael Lavoie. This could also be completely undone by LTIR, which prevents the stacking of cap space money. Besides, you don't want the 31 other fanbases crying foul since they already hate Mark Stone, do you?
Aside from potentially giving Kelly McCrimmon any more funny ideas, this little gesture indicates he might not be done yet. The team needs players not named Jack Eichel, Tomas Hertl, or Pavel Dorofeyev to score goals. Maybe a top-six winger could suffice for the team? Who knows? Remember, there's one more spot on the active roster available entering Thursday.
Whatever the case, this little tactic is helping the Golden Knights accrue the necessary cap space needed for one more move. According to PuckPedia, the team currently has $1,340,596 in cap space, with a projected $2,298,164 by the deadline. Little by little, these minor moves could help the Golden Knights get the necessary pieces they need to make a Stanley Cup run. Is your team's general manager making such moves?
Does this mean Alex Tuch is in play again?
Funny enough, the Vegas Golden Knights sent out scouts to all four games of a Buffalo Sabres homestand. Compare that to the Maple Leafs sending only one scout for a couple of games and it would indicate Kelly McCrimmon is acting more aggressive than his competition.
It also indicates that Alex Tuch is in play again. The right winger has 18 goals and 22 assists this season, anchoring a middling Sabres team offensively. Imagine if Tuch and Brandon Saad add the scoring needed to make the Golden Knights an offensive threat again. That would leave other NHL fans panicking as they face Vegas.
Sure, there are names like John Gibson that sound appealing. That's especially true with the goaltending regressing to the norm and Gibson benefiting from a similar system instilled in Anaheim. However, getting two wingers not afraid to pull the trigger gives Vegas a tremendous advantage. That's especially true when they're bigger, putting opponents at a disadvantage.
It's not limited to looking at Tuch, though. They could also be in play for Dylan Cozens (10 goals, 16 assists), who could give the Golden Knights lower-line power. Like Tuch, Cozens has size to his game (6'3", 195 lbs.), fitting in perfectly for Vegas. Although teams like the Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings will want the forward's services, don't discount McCrimmon exploring a move.
It isn't just Tuch that should be explored, though
The one pratfall with acquiring Cozens is his $7.1 million cap hit. That cap hit also extends out to 2030, which would leave the Vegas Golden Knights on the hook. Sure, McCrimmon knows how to lessen the blow through retention and has a growing salary cap on his side. However, Alex Tuch has a friendlier deal, which fits in perfectly.
Besides, fans would love to see a "Misfit" return to T-Mobile Arena. Although McCrimmon is more focused on getting players that'll fit the long-term vision, Tuch could be that guy. But it isn't just Tuch that makes sense for Vegas, though.
A name like Gustav Nyquist (nine goals, 11 assists) could fit similarly to Saad, giving the team another "shoot first, ask questions later" option. Brandon Tanev (nine goals, eight assists) is a fast winger, fitting in well with the transition game. Kyle Palmieri (14 goals, 20 assists) is a veteran goal-scorer who could also fit in the top six. These options could serve as solid alternatives should the team choose to go in a different direction.
Regardless of what happens, the Golden Knights appear to be searching for another piece. The Edmonton Oilers are quickly racking up points and pulling away in the Pacific Division. Therefore, the time is now for McCrimmon to add another solid player to the group. Slowly, but surely, Vegas might get it done, too. Doesn't it remind you of the "Tortoise and the Hare?"