Grading What the Vegas Golden Knights Did at the Trade Deadline

The Vegas Golden Knights need some life injected into their roster. They're slumping hard, earning points in three of their last 11 games. So general manager Kelly McCrimmon had to respond in some way by acquiring three new Golden Knights.

Out went a wave of draft picks and a couple of players in David Edstrom and Daniil Miromanov. In went Anthony Mantha, Noah Hanifin, and Tomas Hertl, along with some retained salary.

In Texas Hold 'Em, there's a term called "moving all in," where the player places all their chips in the center of the table. Here, they signify their intent to bet big or go home. That's what McCrimmon and the Vegas Golden Knights are doing: betting big on another Stanley Cup run.

But how did McCrimmon do regarding his haul? What were some things that stuck out? What could've been executed better? Will the Golden Knights win another Stanley Cup with their new pieces?

The Vegas Golden Knights's Grade at the Trade Deadline

There are many positives associated with the Vegas Golden Knights and their trade deadline haul. First, it addressed a key need for Vegas: forward depth. The Golden Knights have dealt with a wave of injuries at the position, losing stars like Mark Stone and William Karlsson.

With the newfound depth, the Golden Knights are no longer relying on AHL-level players to carry the load. Instead of relying on Sheldon Rempal and Mason Morelli, you have veteran players boosting the offense. This also helps Bruce Cassidy shuffle his lineup as he sees fit, getting the best combinations ready for the Stanley Cup playoffs (if Vegas makes it). The Golden Knights are also getting healthy at the right time, gaining Jack Eichel this past week. With key players returning, Vegas is set to make another playoff run.

Another plus is the special teams boost. Acquiring Hertl and Hanifin boosts the penalty kill and power play, areas that haven't been the Golden Knights's strong suits. Such depth helps in key situations, especially when playing teams like the Edmonton Oilers.

But with the retained salary, could they have gone after another forward like Frank Vatrano or Pavel Buchnevich? That would've been nice, for it would've boosted the Golden Knights's Stanley Cup chances.

Still, I'm giving the Vegas Golden Knights an A- for their trade deadline efforts. The Golden Knights are going all in on this season and the next. McCrimmon responded to the call for change, adding key forwards and a defenseman.

Granted, it's on the Golden Knights to do better in specific aspects, including rebound control and puck handling. That's a part of why Vegas has allowed 21 goals in their past four games. There were also big fish that weren't obtained (i.e. Vatrano and Buchnevich). However, these trade acquisitions are a start, hopefully to something bigger and better.