3 free agents the Vegas Golden Knights can steal from the Central Division
The Central Division has always been one of hockey's tougher divisions. It could also provide a talent pool the Vegas Golden Knights need for their team.
There's an old saying that goes a little something like this:
"The world's your oyster."
It highlights one's ability to do whatever they please as long as it's within the good confines of the law. For the Vegas Golden Knights, they must approach the offseason with that mantra, even if their salary cap situation constricts them from doing so. Whether it's by replenishing through the draft or free agency, they must look at all possibilities if particular players leave for greener pastures. One place to look? The Central Division.
The NHL's Central Division has always been a good division with notable teams. Whether it was the Chicago Blackhawks and their 2010s dynasty or the Colorado Avalanche winning the Stanley Cup a couple of seasons ago, it's produced top-notch talent that has taken over the NHL. In fact, the Golden Knights were eliminated by such a team this year. The Dallas Stars defeated the defending Stanley Cup champions in seven games, making them no longer the defending champions.
But Vegas should look at this division for a potential goldmine in free agency. After all, they're set to lose some noteworthy players in the offseason, with superstars like Jonathan Marchessault and Chandler Stephenson likely leaving. While the postseason will hold a lot in the cards for the 2023 Stanley Cup champions, there's hope that the recruits will bring more forward depth.
With that, let's look at some potential fits for the gray and gold. Who can fit in with the club and bring some necessary depth and experience? What are the pieces they must have going into the 2024-25 season? For Kelly McCrimmon, diving into the Central Division has the potential to fish up some incredible players. Here are three free agents the Vegas Golden Knights should nab.
Jonathan Drouin, LW, Colorado Avalanche
Jonathan Drouin has spent his career dealing with injuries and an underwhelming stat sheet. The former third-overall pick was supposed to be an additional goal-scorer with Nikita Kucherov and Steven Stamkos, making the Tampa Bay Lightning better. While the Lightning won two Stanley Cups with the aforementioned players, the Quebec native was sent to the Montreal Canadiens in 2017. This season, he's signed with the Colorado Avalanche on a one-year, $825,000 deal.
This season, he's scored 19 goals and 37 assists (14 of those came on the power play). He's provided a nice boost for the Avalanche, helping them get to the second round. He has stated his intent to return to the organization, stating that it's a great place to play hockey. But will Colorado bite on a new deal with the winger?
If not, that should leave a good opportunity for the Vegas Golden Knights to scoop him up on a smaller AAV deal. He's not going to provide much pizzazz on the offensive end, but he is a creative mind. Luckily, he can play all three forward positions, making him a good utility player for Bruce Cassidy. If he can stay healthy and consistent, Vegas will have a good steal from free agency.
Joe Pavelski, C, Dallas Stars
Yes, this Joe Pavelski. The same guy who's been a thorn in the side of the Vegas Golden Knights for all these years. First, he was a pain in the butt during his heyday in San Jose, lighting up the Golden Knights at will. Then, he became hyper-annoying for the Dallas Stars last postseason, scoring a goal and three assists. There's an old saying that goes like this (sort of): "If you can't beat 'em, acquire 'em."
That's what Vegas did with Tomas Hertl, acquiring him from the Sharks at the trade deadline. Now, the Czech star is a long-term piece, adding numerous aspects to the offense. For Pavelski, he can do the same as his former Sharks teammate. After all, he scored 27 goals and added 40 assists this season, which isn't bad for a 39-year-old center.
During his hockey career, the former San Jose legend has made a living as a consistent scorer. He has 476 career goals, with 176 of those coming on the power play. He's also kept himself upright throughout his career, playing on a regular basis. There's a good chance Pavelski would be brought in on a one-year deal if signed. Still, it'd be an excellent depth piece signing, providing more scoring at the forward position.
Jason Zucker, LW, Nashville Predators
Jason Zucker had a decent year with the Nashville Predators this season, scoring 14 goals and 18 assists. Originally from the now-defunct Arizona Coyotes, the Newport Beach, California native is a nice forward depth piece from a scoring perspective. He's also not afraid to get physical, knocking people around (197 hits in 2022-23). Zucker was also an instrumental part of Nashville's physical identity this season, laying out 24 people in 18 games.
The former member of the Minnesota Wild has also been a fast skater, zipping by opposing defenses with ease. With the Vegas Golden Knights, it'd be nice to bring him in for a one-year deal (two years top) with a smaller AAV ($2.5 million maximum). After all, he shouldn't get anywhere remotely close to his current one-year, $5 million deal. Why such a small number, you might ask?
For one, he's 5'11" and weighs only 192 lbs. The 32-year-old isn't a scoring presence on his own, so he must rely on being physical to get by. If he does get on the offensive, he's always a scoring threat. However, inconsistency is a problem with the winger's game, for he can go on dry spells. Still, if Vegas needs depth at forward, it wouldn't hurt to take a flyer on another offensive piece.
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