2. Zach Whitecloud
One player that has severely underperformed has been Zach Whitecloud. The Vegas Golden Knights were banking on Whitecloud taking the next step and developing into a starting six defenseman. However, that hasn't materialized, with Kelly McCrimmon wondering what he must do next.
How so? Whitecloud has had some defensive lapses in his play this season. Granted, his blocked shots (105) and hits (129, a career-high) have gone up in 2023-24. However, there are times where he was absent or gave the puck away. This was evident by him posting a -3 plus/minus and giving the puck away 23 times in 61 games.
Add in the fact that the Bemidji State alum is owed $2.75 million for the next five years and it looks easier to make a deal. Whitecloud doesn't have a no-move clause in his contract, which can make life easier for the Golden Knights to move him.
A trade won't be as likely as a Shea Theodore trade based on the length of Whitecloud's contract. However, seeing the Golden Knights move on from one of their starting defensemen this offseason won't be surprising. With the salary cap crunch affecting the team, the native of Brandon, Manitoba, will be considered expendable.