Ranking the best winger options in free agency for the Golden Knights
The Vegas Golden Knights need some high-profile scoring options that can stay healthy. Who's the best fit for the job?
NHL free agency is a period that can change a team's fortunes for the next season. It can catapult a franchise to the divisional mountain top, even making them Stanley Cup contenders. For others, it's just the start of another long year, where the course won't change much.
Of course, that can vary from team to team. Whether it's the hapless Buffalo Sabres that haven't been to the postseason in years or a dominant team like the Dallas Stars, July 1st will be business as usual. For the rest of the league, it provides franchises with a clean slate.
But it's understated how much this will mean for the Vegas Golden Knights. The franchise is losing five forwards as unrestricted free agents, signaling a change in the team's landscape. Whether that's a good thing or not remains to be seen. But this team will drastically look different from the team hoisting the Stanley Cup a season ago.
Still, it's worth noting some wingers can bring good change to the Golden Knights in free agency. That's what makes the upcoming period crucial for a team with a wide-open Stanley Cup contention window. Making the right move can keep that window cracked open longer, making them into a force.
So let's start looking at which wingers would be right for the Vegas Golden Knights on July 1st. There's a particular player where Vegas's hockey plans will dictate how they operate moving forward. With that, let's look at the five best winger options for Vegas this summer.
5.) Anthony Duclair, Tampa Bay Lightning
Anthony Duclair's name was brought up during the trade deadline, serving as a reliable goal scorer for the San Jose Sharks. Then, he was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning for prospect Jack Thompson and a third-round pick. Now, the Vegas Golden Knights have another shot at obtaining his services during the free agency period.
The Lightning winger scored 24 goals (five on the power play), making him an underrated talent. He's good on special teams and can be brought in for a cheaper price than the big names. Duclair also possesses offensive creativity, making him valuable to franchises like the Golden Knights. He's even improving his play away from the puck, which will help him as a player.
However, his main calling card is his speed. Anthony Duclair can fly past defenders and get numerous scoring opportunities. His puck control is also great, which would make him a good signing. Yes, there are some things the 28-year-old is working on, including his consistency and physicality.
However, if the Vegas Golden Knights aren't keen on spending money on players like Jonathan Marchessault or Jake Guentzel in free agency, this is a nice alternative. That's especially true with Vegas dealing with salary cap tightness, where he can fit seamlessly with a small tweak.
4.) Tyler Toffoli, Winnipeg Jets
Tyler Toffoli has been in so many places that Johnny Cash would lose his mind naming them all. He's played for the Los Angeles Kings, the New Jersey Devils, and the Winnipeg Jets. Now he's hitting the free agency market, looking for a new team to join. Could the Vegas Golden Knights be another destination?
There are many reasons why he'd be a good fit. For one, he plays both wing positions and can rack up the goals. That's why he scored 33 goals in 79 games this season. That benefits Vegas in many ways, especially when the team goes on cold streaks offensively. Add great fundamentals, such as quality skating and you have a terrific prototype.
One deterrent that might keep the Golden Knights away is a pedestrian two-way game. His main calling card is his offense, specifically since he's not the biggest player around. Therefore, he can be prone to losing the occasional board battle. Toffoli won't be atop the priority list like some players this offseason. However, he can be a fallback option if things go awry in the summer.
3.) Sam Reinhart, Florida Panthers
Sam Reinhart had himself an incredible season for the Florida Panthers. He scored 57 goals and 37 assists, helping the team get within arm's reach of their first Stanley Cup. Reinhart is set to hit free agency, which will provide him with an opportunity with teams like the Vegas Golden Knights.
And why not? He's a great special teams player who works well on the power play. That helps franchises like Vegas, who've historically struggled on the man advantage. Why not bring in a specialist who's scored 59 power play goals in the past three seasons?
However, that doesn't make him an ideal free agency target for the Golden Knights. For one, he's expected to get a sizable deal near $10 million. Putting up 57 goals in a contract year will draw a crowd, with Sam Reinhart becoming one of the most coveted free agents. It's tough adding a massive salary like that to a team without a complete makeover.
Also, there's a real possibility that he drops off in production on a long-term deal. 57 goals is fairly hard to achieve, where it's reserved for players like Auston Matthews and Leon Draisaitl. Although Reinhart is vastly underrated as a goal-scoring layer, it's tough to replicate that success in the NHL. Thus, it would make his contract look more like an albatross. There's also a beloved figure that will take precedence for a better price...
2.) Jake Guentzel, Carolina Hurricanes
Jake Guentzel might not return to the Carolina Hurricanes this offseason. The former Pittsburgh Penguin was traded to Carolina to bolster their lineup. Although both sides want a reunion, there's a good chance he will hit the free agency market come July 1st. That might give the Vegas Golden Knights some hope should Jonathan Marchessault leave.
The prolific winger scored 30 goals and 47 assists in joint sessions with Carolina and Pittsburgh this season. He might not be the biggest player on the ice. However, that doesn't limit his game, for he's a larger-than-life player. That's especially true offensively, where he's quick and intelligent. The Omaha native also has an acumen for finishing, making him a challenging player.
Having the ability to see through defenses and exploit weaknesses makes Guentzel problematic. Although Vegas hockey fans would prefer to see Marchessault back in the black and gold next season, the Hurricanes winger would provide a nice alternative. There's a good reason why his name was brought up in trade discussions at the deadline.
1.) Jonathan Marchessault, Vegas Golden Knights
The "Golden Misfit" should be the top option for the Vegas Golden Knights heading into free agency. There are many reasons why that's the case, starting with the price tag. Jonathan Marchessault is expected to fetch a deal worth around $6 million annually, making him a more affordable option than Sam Reinhart or Jake Guentzel. With Vegas's current cap space situation, they can keep more of their core around and work on a new contract.
There's also the length of a potential deal, estimated to fall at three years. That should give the Golden Knights enough time to worry about their plans once the winger's potential new contract is up. Vegas has many options to consider once that happens, including drafting and signing a replacement. They already have players such as Noah Hanifin and Tomas Hertl locked in long-term. So getting Marchessault back on a shorter deal is a better alternative.
Finally, he's cherished in the Las Vegas community. That includes his play and charitable work outside the rink. Many fans want to see Jonathan Marchessault make a curtain call for the Golden Knights. That's especially true since he was one of the "Original Misfits." Why not honor him with one last go-round, especially after scoring 42 goals this season?
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