Wednesday "Knight" wisdom about USA dominance in the Stanley Cup Final
It seems like the Stanley Cup Final will be won by another U.S.-based team. How did the Vegas Golden Knights contribute to the decades-long streak?
The Florida Panthers are in a comfortable position in the Stanley Cup Final. They hold a 2-0 lead over the Edmonton Oilers, moving closer to continuing a decades-long drought. The dry spell in question? The last time a Canadian-based NHL team won the Stanley Cup. It's a streak the Vegas Golden Knights have contributed to in recent memory.
Starting in 2018, the Golden Knights defeated the Winnipeg Jets in the Western Conference Final, 4-1. They were the last Canadian-based team in that year's Stanley Cup playoffs, which prolonged a streak that's lasted since 1993. By the way, who was the last Canadian team to win it all? The Montreal Canadiens, who defeated the Los Angeles Kings, 4-1.
A lot has changed since that time. The wide-eyed children watching hockey became full-blown adults with children of their own, taking them to hockey games. There are also different cultural changes, with Michael Jordan's NBA dominance transitioning to LeBron James's twilight years of reign.
That includes the NHL landscape, where numerous changes have happened. From relocations to new teams that include the Vegas Golden Knights, the league has evolved. Now, Connor McDavid and company hope to dig the Oilers out of their current hole and end the drought.
Vegas eliminated some teams themselves, with their only series loss coming to Montreal in the 2021 semifinals. Whether it's Winnipeg (2018, 2023), Vancouver (2020), or Edmonton (2023), the Golden Knights have gotten their hands dirty with America's neighbors up north. Life's not fair for Canada in their favorite game right now, specifically when it involves Vegas.
But there's more to the NHL right now than Canada's woeful luck at winning a Stanley Cup. What else is happening around the NHL? Who's requesting trades from their teams? Get ready for some late-night wisdom because the season's end is approaching.
Patrik Laine requests a trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets
On Wednesday, Columbus Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine said he was "looking for a fresh start." What he means is he's seeking a trade with Columbus assisting him. The sniping star has a cap hit of $8.7 million, which might complicate matters. However, that shouldn't stop some teams from going after the 26-year-old star.
There are many reasons why a team would want his services. A terrific finisher who has a quality shot is something you don't see often. Yes, he must stay healthy to maximize his value. But there are plenty of teams who'd take a flyer on the promising Blue Jackets winger.
One of those teams could include the Vegas Golden Knights, a franchise desperate for forwards. But their issues lie with having enough bodies on the ice, with five unrestricted free agents at the position hitting free agency this summer.
While Kelly McCrimmon isn't shy about having other teams retain salary, this might be a tough one to swing, especially with a modified no-trade clause. That is unless Vegas moves a contract or two of their own to offset it. Then again, not many people expected the Golden Knights to have a productive trade deadline.
The Battle for Vegas is coming up with some lineup pieces revealed
The 2024 Battle for Vegas has announced the first set of players to participate in the event on Wednesday. The annual charity softball game pits the Vegas Golden Knights in a fun battle against the Las Vegas Raiders. The festivities take place at Las Vegas Ballpark on July 13.
For team captain Jack Eichel and the Golden Knights, he'll be joined by Zach Whitecloud, Nic Hague, Keegan Kolesar, Logan Thompson, and Alec Martinez. Eichel is replacing former Vegas star Reilly Smith as the captain this season after Smith was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins last summer. Smith was the founder of Battle for Vegas.
As for the Raiders, its only known player is team captain and punter AJ Cole. More Raiders stars will be announced for the team at a later date. But they won't be the only stars at the event. Former Oakland Athletics greats Jose Canseco and Terrence Long will also appear. It's part of what seems to be a continuing effort to make the Athletics feel at home in their efforts to relocate.
Has Jonathan Marchessault re-signed with the Vegas Golden Knights yet?
Sadly, another "Golden Misfit" looks like he might be out the door. Jonathan Marchessault still has no deal in place with the Vegas Golden Knights. Every passing day puts a little more fear in Golden Knights fans, worrying they'll never see one of their favorite players.
Of course, this has led to speculation on where Marchessault might land. Teams such as the Montreal Canadiens, Buffalo Sabres, and Detroit Red Wings have been proposed as good landing spots for the winger. But there's a case for him to return to Vegas, where he's revered.
Once the Jonathan Marchessault domino falls, it will open many possibilities for the Golden Knights. That includes a potential trade for Mitch Marner, where whispers of a trade are growing every day. Rumor has it Vegas has a potential package to offer the Toronto Maple Leafs. That includes Shea Theodore and Logan Thompson in some hypothetical deals.
In any case, July 1st will be an intriguing date for hockey fans in Vegas. The later Kelly McCrimmon and company wait on giving him a new deal, the more likely he is to head out the door. It's been said on here often, but it's true. But that wouldn't be good news for the Vegas Golden Knights or their fans.
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