3 pending free agents the Vegas Golden Knights should avoid in NHL free agency
While there are some intriguing free agency options for the Vegas Golden Knights, there are some options that aren't as attractive.
With the Vegas Golden Knights looking at the offseason, they must look at which holes to fill. Some positions, such as the goaltender position, aren't of the utmost urgent need. With Adin Hill and Logan Thompson locked in for another year, the Golden Knights aren't worried about filling the position too much. That's especially true with their goaltending prospects making some noise (Carl Lindbom is a perfect example).
Defensemen? It's slightly more urgent with Alec Martinez being an unrestricted free agent and Shea Theodore in the last year of his current deal. However, Noah Hanifin was brought in as Martinez's replacement, making the Golden Knights younger at the position. There are also prospects like Kaeden Korczak waiting in the wings, hoping to get their opportunity next season. Therefore, it's not as pressing.
Now, the forward position? That's something that must urgently be addressed. The Golden Knights have five forwards hitting free agency this summer. With a free agent coming off every line, it's crucial for Vegas to hit a home run this summer. Otherwise, the team will shift away from an identity they've known for the longest time: Being a team with balanced scoring and puck distribution.
However, not all free agents are the same, for they come in all shapes and sizes. Whether they're grizzled veterans or are still in their prime, some free agents will carry more value than others. Therefore, it's vital to nail the offseason and bring in the right people. Some shining examples for the Vegas Golden Knights in recent memory include Adin Hill and Alex Pietrangelo.
But there are some free agents that Kelly McCrimmon should avoid. Some of these free agents aren't the most ideal signings for the Golden Knights, which would hurt the team more than it would help. Here are three free agents that Vegas should avoid like the plague.
1. Patrick Kane
Patrick Kane has been an incredible forward in the NHL for the past decade and beyond. The legendary Chicago Blackhawk has scored 471 goals, won the Hart Trophy in 2016, and has appeared in nine NHL All-Star Games. However, there are some reasons why the Vegas Golden Knights would be better off not signing Kane.
For one, he's 35 years old and is seeing a dip in his production. He scored 20 goals and added 27 assists for the Detroit Red Wings this season, doing this in 50 games. While this sounds nice from a hockey perspective, it's a far cry from when the nine-time All-Star would produce 80-point seasons with Chicago.
Some hockey players can get away with consistent production at an old age (see Joe Pavelski). But these types of players are hard to come by, with Kane seeing his production fall in recent years. Besides, there are younger players on the market like Jake Guentzel who can provide solid production.
Kelly McCrimmon's goal is extending the contention window with younger talent and moving out older pieces. That's what happened with Reilly Smith last summer, as the former Misfit was moved to Pittsburgh. Adding Kane to the mix will only slow down the Golden Knights, similar to what happened when they signed Phil Kessel in 2022.
2. Adam Henrique
Currently, Adam Henrique is on a Stanley Cup playoff run with the Edmonton Oilers. The forward was originally acquired from the Anaheim Ducks, adding more depth to the Oilers's overall scoring. After all, a contending hockey team can't just rely on Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl to carry the load.
Henrique has been decent for the Oilers, scoring six goals and three assists in 22 games with Edmonton. He also has a shooting percentage of 20.7 in Edmonton, making him a dangerous shot. There are plenty of reasons to believe he'd be a great addition. However, some aspects would also make Henrique a liability in Vegas.
For one, he's not solid enough defensively. The Vegas Golden Knights pride themselves on blocking shots and taking shooting lanes away. The Oilers forward isn't big enough to fit in that aspect, standing at 6'0" and weighing 195 lbs. Therefore, he'd have to solely rely on his offensive prowess to impact the team. The Golden Knights are looking to retain a key winger for the role, so Henrique's services wouldn't be necessary.
That's proven by the 34-year-old producing a career-high in blocked shots this season (78). His career-high in hits is 99 (coming this season), which shows his lack of size would make him a defensive liability. There are two ways to become efficient on the Golden Knights defensively. One, block shots and play a 200-ft. game. Two, get physical and rough up some people. Henrique does neither, which would indicate he's not a good fit in Vegas.
3. Vladimir Tarasenko
Originally, Vladimir Tarasenko was linked to the Vegas Golden Knights, given his offensive talents. He had an incredible shot and could handle the puck easily, fooling any incoming defenders. However, it seems that the Russian forward might not be as good of a fit as one would think.
For one, Tarasenko rarely blocks shots, with his career-high coming in 2021-22 (45). The Panthers winger also doesn't get physical much, with his career-high coming in 2017-2018 (89). If the Golden Knights wanted to seek a cheaper alternative, Tarasenko would be a hard maybe, given that he's an exciting playmaker.
However, his injury history is also a concern, with various upper-body injuries plaguing the star forward. The Golden Knights have been hit hard by injuries in the past three seasons, losing players such as Mark Stone, Jack Eichel, and William Karlsson for some time. How does it make sense to add another injury-prone player when he won't see the ice?
It's not to say that Vladimir Tarasenko is a bad player. He's excellent offensively and can still produce at a nice clip. However, the Vegas Golden Knights are trying to move away from older players and injury-prone skaters. It would end up being a bad gamble that backfires on Vegas tremendously.
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