Taking a risk is the biggest part of being a successful person. You can't get anywhere in life by staying complacent and hoping for the best. You need to do something drastic to get by, making yourself into a stronger being along the way. Otherwise, you won't do anything and will be forgotten.
The Vegas Golden Knights have done this since their first season, taking a bold risk on players such as William Karlsson and Jonathan Marchessault. These names laid the groundwork for an underdog story, motivated by a community torn by tragedy. That meant taking the Western Conference--and eventually, the NHL--by storm, winning a Stanley Cup in 2023.
That also goes for making under-the-radar trades, which Kelly McCrimmon has mastered. That included acquiring Chandler Stephenson from the Washington Capitals and pulling in Jack Eichel from the Buffalo Sabres. These moves also brought that championship to Las Vegas, culminating in a victory for the new kids on the block. In fact, recent moves such as Noah Hanifin and Tomas Hertl will provide the base for another Stanley Cup run.
So what risks could the Golden Knights take in the future? Could they sign a big-name goaltender? Could they re-sign one of their main pieces like Eichel? It's fun to speculate what could happen in the future, specifically with a team like Vegas. Let's have some fun and see what Kelly McCrimmon could do.
Big names to the Vegas Golden Knights? Connor McDavid? Leon Draisaitl?
Jack Eichel carries the top line for the Vegas Golden Knights. He's a superstar who makes ridiculous moves, turning himself into a human highlight reel. However, he doesn't have Jonathan Marchessault by his side anymore. Therefore, he needs a new sidekick on the first unit. Could Mitch Marner be in the works? What about Patrik Laine?
Perhaps the Vegas Golden Knights can go bold and get a big name like... Connor McDavid? It's likely this move won't happen. However, it's fun to think about considering the Edmonton Oilers megastar will be a free agent after 2026-27. His teammate, Leon Draisaitl, will also be a free agent after this season, which provides another option.
However, the Oilers are working on an extension with the German forward. They hope to keep him in Canada with McDavid for the remainder of their careers, bringing a Stanley Cup up north. Still, if a contract extension doesn't culminate, Kelly McCrimmon could pounce and add a linemate for Eichel (if Eichel is re-signed).
Imagine a team with Eichel, Draisaitl (or even McDavid), Tomas Hertl, and Noah Hanifin. It would be a terrific offensive team that could take over the NHL. It would break goaltenders left and right, making even more haters and critics of the Golden Knights. Of course, it hasn't happened yet, nor does it have a good probability of happening. Still, it's fun to take a risk and see where it lands.