3 past Vegas Golden Knights deals that led to postseason success
The Vegas Golden Knights have made some remarkable deals during their franchise history. Here are three that led to Stanley Cup playoff success.
In life, it takes a bold approach to live the life you want. That involves taking calculated risks and capitalizing on the results. Want to become a millionaire and claim the title of being the first in your family? You must be strong and take a shot. Want to change your life and get a better job? That starts with making the necessary changes.
That's no different with owning a hockey team, specifically when they've won a Stanley Cup in their first seven seasons. Enter the Vegas Golden Knights, an expansion franchise that's far different from its newer kin. There have been some bold moves made by the franchise, with George McPhee and Kelly McCrimmon setting the course for the franchise's direction.
Golden Knights fans are familiar with some of the big names that came from these deals. Fans think about Jack Eichel and Reilly Smith and how they helped the franchise win their first Stanley Cup in their history. Even Mark Stone and Chandler Stephenson come to mind! These moves made the team a resounding success in the NHL, with fans following their every move. It's good to be the king, especially when you've become one of the most awe-inspiring stories in the league.
Of course, there's a huge thank you to Bill Foley and the front office for making this happen, for they established a winning culture. With that, Golden Knights fans should look back on these three deals that got them to their current spot. They were bold moves that established hockey in Las Vegas and proved the sport could work in the desert. Here are the three bold deals that led to postseason success for the Golden Knights. In this scenario, we're talking about overall postseason success and long-term moves, not just for one season.
3.) The Florida Panthers trade Reilly Smith to the Vegas Golden Knights from the selection of Jonathan Marchessault for a 2018 fourth-round draft pick
Reilly Smith
This trade happened after the 2017 Expansion Draft, where the Vegas Golden Knights selected Jonathan Marchessault. As a result, Reilly Smith was traded to Vegas, establishing the "Golden Misfits" group that the fanbase would adore. It would also become one of the most important deals in franchise history.
Not only did the Golden Knights get two community cornerstones, but they also got two incredible players. Smith scored 124 goals and 162 assists during his six seasons with the team, while Marchessault scored 192 goals and 225 assists. Along the way, he won a Conn Smythe trophy and established countless franchise records.
The duo were responsible for two Stanley Cup Final appearances and one championship, turning Vegas into a perennial contender. Smith has 18 goals, 48 assists and a plus/minus of+24 in 88 playoff games with the team, while Marchessault has 36 goals, 39 assists, and a plus/minus of +36 in 95 games. Without them, the team doesn't make six Stanley Cup playoff appearances in seven seasons while hoisting Lord Stanley.
2.) The Golden Knights acquire Jack Eichel from the Buffalo Sabres
Jack Eichel
While Jack Eichel hasn't been as tenured as Reilly Smith was on the Vegas Golden Knights, he's already making an impact with the team. Last season, he scored 31 goals and 37 assists in 63 games, making him one of the most prolific centers in the NHL. Yes, he's dealt with injuries during his career, which include lower-body problems. However, he's been more than reliable during the postseason.
He scored six goals and 20 assists during the 2022-23 Stanley Cup run. It showed he was capable of rising to the occasion, creating countless scoring opportunities for his teammates. That included Marchessault, who scored 13 goals en route to his Conn Smythe trophy. Last season was another reliable campaign, where he scored three goals and four assists in seven games.
The purpose of the Jack Eichel trade was to acquire a game-changing center for the top line. The Golden Knights had searched among numerous names for that person, hoping to finally get over the hump. It turns out the former Hobey Baker winner did that, becoming the cornerstone that Kelly McCrimmon and company were searching for.
1.) The Golden Knights get their future captain in Mark Stone from the Ottawa Senators
Mark Stone
Perhaps there wasn't a bigger move (although the Eichel move is close) in the history of the Golden Knights than acquiring Mark Stone. After acquiring the future captain, he signed an eight-year, $76 million extension to stay in Vegas. The move turned him into a vital player for the organization, making him the team's heart and soul.
The purpose of this trade was acquiring a two-way forward who could get dirty when needed. There was a need for a better forecheck, where players could play the entire 200 feet of the ice. Stone fit that description perfectly, amassing 335 takeaways during his six years with the Golden Knights. On top of that, he's gotten serious consideration for the Selke Trophy, finishing as high as second in 2018-19.
Overall, he's scored 89 goals and 167 assists during his Vegas tenure, making him into a vital team piece. Stone scored 32 goals, 32 assists, and had a plus/minus of +6 in 75 games with the franchise, making him a reliable postseason player. That included a solid 2022-23 campaign, where he scored 11 goals and 13 assists. As for Brannstrom? Well, the former first-round draft pick is in Colorado where he's hoping to revive his career and get... higher.
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