The Vegas Golden Knights have a major problem. They can't stop the puck from getting to the net, causing chaos for their goaltenders. Entering Wednesday's game against the Anaheim Ducks, Vegas has allowed 1,053 shots on goal, tenth-most in the NHL.
With that, let's have a little fun with this. You can pluck one Duck from the team to put on the Golden Knights. Expensive long-term deals are a... "deal breaker", for Vegas is already tied up with such deals of its own. That's especially true with older players past their prime on other teams.
But that doesn't take Ilya Lyubushkin out of the equation, though. In fact, he should be the main focus for the Golden Knights. Formerly acquired from the Buffalo Sabres for a 2025 fourth-round pick, the defenseman has been one of the few bright spots. He's a physical defenseman who generates pressure with ease (58 hits this season entering Wednesday).
Heading into Wednesday's game, Lyubushkin was tied for 8th in most blocked shots this season with 82. With a team that already has premier defensemen in McNabb (100 blocked shots, second-most) and Pietrangelo (81 blocked shots, 11th-most), the Golden Knights can stack their blue line.
Another reason why this makes sense is Vegas doesn't need a goaltender right now. Yes, I know that sounds absurd to regular people, considering the injuries in the past season. But Logan Thompson and Adin Hill aren't on long-term injured reserve. It's expected they'll be back with the Golden Knights soon.
Besides, John Gibson is owed $25.6 million for the next four years. That cap hit would be a hefty ask for the Golden Knights to sustain. Although Gibson would greatly benefit from being on a great team like Vegas, the issue lies with the cost of bringing him on. The added modified no-move clause makes a potential move even tougher.
That's why it makes perfect sense for the Golden Knights to take the Anaheim Ducks defenseman in a trade. They have the necessary draft capital to do so and need to make a move. Otherwise, they won't hoist the Stanley Cup again come June.
(Stats provided by StatMuse and CapFriendly)