3 Golden Knights that shouldn't be traded
With endless speculation going on in the offseason, here are three Vegas Golden Knights that shouldn't be traded.
Trade speculation is a major part of the sports realm. Potential pieces are viewed on respective teams with outgoing players, picks, and prospects. It's a part of what makes the sports news cycle go around. This season, the Vegas Golden Knights have plenty of names in the mix, with players like William Karlsson being mentioned.
Of course, speculations like these tend to fall on the ludicrous side. Sometimes, these trade proposals miss, with the audience calling the person out for their take (hello, that's happened here). Sometimes, it's trading a specific player that doesn't make sense. Such things are mind-numbing for fans to digest, leaving them wondering where they got these ideas.
People turn to names such as Shea Theodore and Logan Thompson. These players have other factors playing into being trade targets, including being in the last year of their respective deals next season. There's also the surplus factor, whether on the blue line or in the net. So let's see which Vegas Golden Knights stars should be considered off-limits. Fans will appreciate seeing these players stay around, specifically since their impacts greatly impact the organization.
Three names on the Golden Knights shouldn't leave Las Vegas. These players bring too much to the table and are vital to the franchise winning another Stanley Cup. Therefore, general manager Kelly McCrimmon should refrain from giving the following players away to different teams.
William Karlsson
William Karlsson had his name thrown into the trade speculation during the summertime. The Swedish forward has dealt with injuries during his Vegas Golden Knights career and is in his 30s. However, there are plenty of reasons why Vegas shouldn't go anywhere.
One reason is he has a cap hit of $5.9 million over the next three seasons. That includes a 10-team no-trade list that impacts where he goes. Karlsson holds some of the cards in trade discussions, giving him power in his potential next destination. That will make matters tough regarding the "Golden Misfit" leaving town.
He also serves a purpose in more ways than one. He's a terrific penalty killer who can even score short-handed. The center has scored 12 short-handed goals during his Vegas tenure thanks to his ability to take away the puck (365 takeaways in seven seasons with the Golden Knights). He's also good on the power play, scoring seven power play goals this season.
Often, people forget the impact that William Karlsson has on the Vegas Golden Knights. He's a good offensive player who does great on special teams. He might not be the most lucrative star in Vegas. However, losing him hurts the team in their current contention window.
Nicolas Roy
Anthony Mantha was brought into the Vegas Golden Knights organization to do the same job Nicolas Roy did, only better. The former first-round pick was supposed to fix the power play unit, making them into an offensive juggernaut. The hype around the trade was strong and fans were on board.
However, Mantha didn't pan out, with the pending free agent told he won't be returning to Vegas next season. Only scoring one power play assist in 18 games doesn't do the job on this team. Now, there's a need for Roy to regain some power play minutes and be a good center on the lower lines.
There should be plenty of reasons why the 27-year-old stays, too. He had a productive season with the Golden Knights, scoring 28 assists (seven more than Mantha this season) and 41 points in 70 games. That includes six assists on the power play, where he's growing into a key contributor. He also had 17 primary assists, meaning he's creating plays and dictating the offensive attack well.
He's also a solid shooter, with his expected goals staying about 15 the past three seasons. He was expected to score 0.97 goals per 60 minutes this season, which is also a promising development for the budding star. While Roy will be a cap hit of $3 million over the next three seasons without a no-trade clause, there should be an incentive to keep him.
Brendan Brisson
While Brendan Brisson might not be an established Vegas Golden Knights star like William Karlsson or Nicolas Roy, there's still a good reason why he shouldn't be traded. Vegas hasn't shied away from trading first-round picks over the years, with names like Zach Dean and Nick Suzuki heading out the door.
The Golden Knights have two issues on their hands. One is the salary cap situation, where they must trade away established players and their contracts. The other is the lack of forward depth, a pressing issue for Vegas. With five forwards as pending unrestricted free agents, it adds more incentive to keep the former first-round pick around.
Plus, he's shown promising signs of development in his minor-league career. In his last two seasons with the Henderson Silver Knights, the former Michigan Wolverine has scored 36 goals and 75 points. He's shown great promise in his short time with the organization, even showing what he can do on the top line.
Brendan Brisson offers an opportunity for the Golden Knights to retain a player for a cheap price. Next season will be the last year of his entry-level contract, where he'll become a restricted free agent. The forward isn't arbitration-eligible, which puts the ball in Vegas's court. Why pass up the chance to keep a budding star when you have the power (Fun fact: Brendan Brisson is the son of Pat Brisson, who's the agent for... Nicolas Roy)?
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