Vegas Golden Knights fans are attached to the "Original Misfit" group. Names like Alex Tuch and Reilly Smith led the team to the Stanley Cup Final in its inaugural season. Of course, you can't forget Marc-Andre Fleury, who eventually won his only Vezina Trophy in his career. Still, these names made Golden Knights hockey what it is today: Wildly successful and a consistent Stanley Cup threat.
But fans will be surprised that there hasn't been a "Misfit" reunion by the trade deadline (or other avenues). While names like Tuch and Fleury have been floated as potential trade targets, they never came to fruition. Instead, names like Ivan Barbashev and Jack Eichel joined the team. But it did come with a benefit.
That benefit happened to be the Stanley Cup, fulfilling a six-year promise from Bill Foley. There was no time for reunions in Kelly McCrimmon's book, for he wanted to turn the team into a full-fledged dynasty.
But it appears times have changed. Some names have emerged in the market again, reviving hopes of a "part deux" in Sin City. With the Buffalo Sabres in a "business-as-usual" run of mediocrity and the New York Rangers and Nashville Predators underachieving, leaving some names wide open for picking.
So let's bunch up the names and put them in... a power ranking. The list will range from "yeah, that's not happening" to an actual possibility. It's time to dive into the "Misfits" and see which players are likely to come back.
"LOL no": Jonathan Marchessault, Nashville Predators
Do you really think Kelly McCrimmon wants anything to do with a five-year, $5.5 million AAV deal for a player that's 5'9" and 185 lbs.? Throw in the fact that the 34-year-old had a contentious feud with the general manager during the summer and this deal's as likely as the San Jose Sharks making the playoffs this season.
"Negatory, Ghost Rider": David Perron, Ottawa Senators
The original holder of the single-season assists record for the Vegas Golden Knights is a far cry from his 2017-18 self. He only has two goals and three assists in 21 games this season. It's also not worth taking on a $4 million cap hit for that production, which would be an albatross heading into next season.
"It could happen": Reilly Smith, New York Rangers
Reilly Smith never wanted to leave the Golden Knights in the first place. Of course, business is business. However, he's linked to other Stanley Cup contenders (including Vegas) and could provide a nice scoring touch. He does have a cap hit of $5 million this season, which could complicate matters. Still, one more run at the Stanley Cup in Las Vegas wouldn't hurt him.
"It's a possibility": Alex Tuch, Buffalo Sabres
Alex Tuch has everything Kelly McCrimmon would want in a player. He's under control for another season (with a $4.75 million cap hit) and has 22 goals and 24 assists this season. He's also a big body (6'4", 215 lbs.) and is 28 years old. McCrimmon may look at other avenues for his winger production. However, reuniting with the "Original Misfit" makes sense in many ways. That's why he's been linked in social media (and on here).