3 free agents the Vegas Golden Knights can steal from the Metropolitan Division
Jake Guentzel isn't going to be on this list. However, that doesn't mean the Vegas Golden Knights can't find some gold in the Metropolitan Division.
The Atlantic Division had plenty of noteworthy names for the Vegas Golden Knights to explore this upcoming summer. Names such as Anthony Duclair, Steven Stamkos, and Tyler Bertuzzi could grace the gray and gold next season. Of course, that's contingent on numerous factors, including if fan favorites return at the right price next season. However, that doesn't mean Vegas hockey fans can't have fun with the speculation.
That leads to looking at the Metropolitan Division for free agency. This division has become a solid group in hockey, boasting the President's Trophy winners, the New York Rangers. It's also home to great teams like the Carolina Hurricanes, a group that has plenty of questions heading into the offseason. For example, what should the 'Canes do with Martin Necas, who's exploring a possible trade? Bear in mind that the winger is a restricted free agent this offseason, which means he could suddenly become available.
Still, there are numerous names to pay attention to if you're a Golden Knights fan. With the outgoing wave of forwards this offseason, Kelly McCrimmon is looking to refill the unit and bring in reinforcements. That could mean promotions for players such as Paul Cotter, who's becoming a great physical player. That could also mean going to the draft, where many forwards sit in the 2024 draft class at No. 19. Whatever the case is, the options are limitless.
With an interesting free agency period awaiting the gray and gold, it's time to explore who'd be a good fit. Which veteran players should play in Sin City next season and get a fresh start? Who could become new members and add more to the team? Here are three free agents the Vegas Golden Knights could steal from the Metropolitan Division.
Brady Skjei, LD, Carolina Hurricanes
Yes, it seems odd to see a defenseman on this list. After all, the unit has its starting six all set for Bruce Cassidy. At least, that's what it seems on the surface. Rumors about Shea Theodore being traded are growing louder by the day, with the Canadian defenseman due for a $5.2 million cap hit. Considering the cap space situation the Vegas Golden Knights are in and Theodore's in the last year of his current deal, it makes sense.
So why not go with Brady Skjei and add him as a future defenseman? For one, he was decent offensively in 2023-24, notching 34 assists during the regular season. That also includes the power play, where he has 11 assists on the unit. The American defenseman also brings speed to the lineup, making him tough to defend. Defensively, he blocks shots (90 this season) and takes away pucks (44), which is always a plus in Cassidy's system. In short, he can become a good signing in free agency, especially if acquired at the right price.
However, there are some causes for concern with his play. For one, the Minnesota native is prone to making the occasional mistake, leaving opposing teams to capitalize. He also won't get much power play time on the Golden Knights, with the group already boasting Hanifin and Pietrangelo. Even if Theodore was traded, Brayden McNabb would be waiting in the wings. Still, the Hurricanes defenseman should be considered during the free agency period.
Stefan Noesen, RW, Carolina Hurricanes
Another member of the Carolina Hurricanes that the Vegas Golden Knights should consider is Stefan Noesen. The winger would be a great free agent to pick up, especially with his price tag ($762,500 cap hit in 2023-24). If his AAV is any indication, he can be signed as a depth piece without breaking the bank. For a team like Vegas that's tight on cap space, that's an excellent thing.
After all, he was a nice contributor offensively. He scored 14 goals (three of those on the power play) and added 23 assists (eight of those on the man advantage). The native of Plano, Texas, is a solid sniper, using his hands and thirst for scoring goals to boost his team. Add in some versatility and Noesen's a nice steal for any team.
That is if he can stay healthy. The winger has dealt with injuries in the past, with lower-body injuries hampering his playing ability. Between 2020-21 and 2021-22, he only played eight games. With a Golden Knights team that's had health issues in the past three seasons, adding another injury-prone player won't make matters better. That probably correlates with his low price tag. Still, he's a steal for a team that has the patience to deal with him and his defensive lapses, especially if that team needs forward depth.
Jack Roslovic, C, New York Rangers
There are numerous benefits to signing Jack Roslovic. For one, he's only 27 years old. The center would be perfect for Kelly McCrimmon, specifically if he was trying to get the Vegas Golden Knights younger. He would also be a cheap signing, with the forward potentially maxing out at $2 million AAV.
The New York Rangers center also has the pieces to become a good offensive weapon. He's fast, using his quickness and acceleration to speed down the ice. He can also drive the play, making him a nice depth piece for a team like Vegas. The Columbus native also has a knack for distributing the puck, as made evident by his 22 assists this season.
But Roslovic is seen as more of a project, with his inability to piece it together apparent. Inconsistency is a problem with his game, for he can good on some nights and terrible on others. If the center can put his game together, he can becoming a nice player on the lower lines and a potential steal.
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