The Vegas Golden Knights and the quality vs. quantity debate
With a wave of forwards hitting free agency this summer, the Vegas Golden Knights are tasked with a big question of properly approaching the offseason.
The debate of quality vs. quantity often brings up an internal battle between having the best and having depth. It's two different spectrums on the eternal plane of life, with people arguing for one side over the other. The Vegas Golden Knights have that debate coming up in just over a month, with five forwards hitting unrestricted free agency.
Two of those forwards are Chandler Stephenson and Jonathan Marchessault, key components for Vegas's 2023 Stanley Cup victory. One was an "Original Misfit" who embedded himself into the heart and soul of Las Vegas through his personality, play, and off-ice work. The other has 30+ assists in the past three seasons. Both were valuable pieces to the puzzle in the last three seasons, which provides an added incentive to bring them back.
However, these pieces also represent a chunk of the salary cap, with big contracts due. The Golden Knights already have money tied up on players like Mark Stone and Jack Eichel, with new pieces like Tomas Hertl and Noah Hanifin added to the payroll. For some fans, that doesn't present a desirable situation, for they could lose out on seeing their precious stars forever.
But that great debate between quality vs. quantity should be explored further. Everything that happens this offseason will stem from which approach general manager Kelly McCrimmon wants. Does he want to stock up on depth pieces and make the position deep? Or does he want to bring back the fan-favorite(s) and go for one more run with the group?
The case for quality for the Vegas Golden Knights
Let's face it: Jonathan Marchessault is an essential part of the Vegas Golden Knights. He's proven himself to be valuable to the team, as made evident by his 42 goals this season. But his body of work stems far beyond this season: the winger has 192 goals and 225 assists in seven seasons with the Vegas Golden Knights.
He'll be the main topic of discussion heading into free agency. However, there's also a case for Chandler Stephenson being kept around instead of the winger. He's younger than Marchessault, is versatile, and has some speed to his game. The center could be a good alternative to bring back if everything falls through with Marchessault.
But what happens if both don't return? There have been growing rumors of Mitch Marner potentially going to Las Vegas. Shea Theodore and Logan Thompson have been discussed as potential trade pieces, which could work. However, the rumors have also torn apart the fanbase, with everyone divided on whether they want the Maple Leaf in Vegas.
Whatever the case is, it offers Vegas the chance to go for another shot at the Stanley Cup with beloved figures. If Jonathan Marchessault and Chandler Stephenson are off the table, then there's potential for acquiring a superstar like Marner. It offers McCrimmon an opportunity to make a splash, either in free agency or through a trade.
The case for quantity
While the possibility of bringing back Marchessault, Stephenson, or Marner sounds enticing, it's also going to be expensive. Considering the Vegas Golden Knights are tight on salary cap space (roughly $5.9 million, including Robin Lehner's LTIR addition), it would be wise to look toward other avenues. That includes the NHL Draft and cheaper, healthier options in free agency, which could provide Vegas with some much-needed depth for now and the future.
Whether it's adding depth on the checking line or going for someone in the middle of the lineup, there are better options that can still produce. The Golden Knights can still look in other avenues, including the Pacific and Atlantic Divisions. That way, bridging the gap will be much easier when they put out their starting lineup.
With Vegas's current cap situation offering no wiggle room, it's likely they'll look for more cost-effective options in free agency. It might not be the news many fans will want to hear. However, the biggest stars will come with a hefty price tag. That likely means McCrimmon's hands will be tied unless another key player is sent off.
Is there a chance for a middle ground?
There is, but drastic measures would be taken to make that happen. For example, there would be more than one major trade to offset salary. That would require getting rid of starters just to find the perfect balance. Team chemistry is a valuable intangible, with the new group needing time to gel with the established player.
A perfect non-hockey example of this is the Seattle Mariners. They've been a winning franchise since Jerry DiPoto took the reins of the front office. They broke their 20-season postseason drought and made the MLB playoffs as a wild card. However, the constant trades haven't done much to push the team to the World Series or win the AL West. With players such as Ketel Marte and Teoscar Hernandez leaving via trade or free agency, the M's are stuck in a vicious cycle of "good, but not great."
"But they're currently in first in the AL West!"
While that might be true, the division is currently down. The Vegas Golden Knights play in a division with rapid risers like the Vancouver Canucks. They also have established rivals like the Edmonton Oilers and upcoming teams like the Seattle Kraken and Anaheim Ducks. For Vegas, they must carefully pick the path they want to tread this summer. If they try doing both, it'll be the classic verse of "cutting off your nose to spite your face."
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