Hockey is a fun sport filled with interesting characters. You see the fans who dress up like Elvis and are New York Islanders fans. You also have players with goofy personalities, making the game light-hearted and fun. Who doesn't love seeing Marc-Andre Fleury give a wet willy to his opponent?
One of these fun-loving personalities is Brandon Tanev of the Seattle Kraken. He's well-known around the hockey universe for his outlandish facial expressions during the team photo day. Tanev looks like he's seen Elon Musk and Lena Dunham naked.
Kelly McCrimmon and the Vegas Golden Knights could use those facial expressions during their Stanley Cup run. They have a need for an inexpensive winger (Tanev has a cap hit of $3.5 million) who provides key scoring (Tanev has eight goals and seven assists this season). But offense isn't the only thing needed from the winger.
That forward must also fit within Bruce Cassidy's defensive system, blocking shots and hitting opponents. Tanev does both things, tallying 72 blocked shots and 92 hits this sseason. He'd be an excellent complimentary piece to Keegan Kolesar, forming a formidable fourth line for the Golden Knights.
McCrimmon hasn't shied away from making a trade or two at the trade deadline, particularly if another team can retain salary. That was the case last season with Anthony Mantha (the Washington Capitals retained 50% of his salary) and Noah Hanifin (the Calgary Flames retained 50% of his salary). So what's not to say McCrimmon can work his deal-making magic with the Kraken to pull off a trade for an expressive guy?
Why Brandon Tanev?
Alexander Holtz has been on the struggle bus all season. The Swedish winger has had no luck in the Vegas Golden Knights offensive system. How? He has a goals above (or below, in this case) expected of -3.8, along with a shooting percentage of 5.4%. His on-ice Corsi (48%) and Fenwick (48%) also leave a lot to be desired, making him a liability for the Golden Knights.
While Tanev is worse in the Corsi (37%) and Fenwick (39%) departments, he does better shooting the puck (11.9% shooting percentage). Despite being on an anemic Seattle Kraken team, he's also more likely to score goals (-0.9 goals above expected). The winger is a better fit forechecking-wise with 15 takeaways.
Holtz has become an offensive liability for the Golden Knights with three goals and seven assists. However, the 22-year-old also hasn't done much on the defensive end, creating minimal turnovers (three takeaways this season). Why not go with an established bottom-six veteran who can give the Golden Knights more grit?
What could Kelly McCrimmon give up for Tanev?
The Vegas Golden Knights wouldn't have to give up much to obtain Brandon Tanev's services. He's mainly seen as a bottom-six winger used for grind-line purposes. Therefore, a deal would fall into something like this.
Remember that Tanev is an unrestricted free agent after this season. Therefore, he's free to walk unless McCrimmon signs him to an extension with the Vegas Golden Knights. Also, McCrimmon isn't too keen on signing older players or rentals. Therefore, this could fall out of favor if the Kraken don't get the right asking price.
Still, Golden Knights are entitled to seeing facial expressions like Tanev just saw his grandmother's bare rear. It would be fun for everyone involved, especially if the Golden Knights win another Stanley Cup come June. Imagine the look he'd have on his face when he hoisted Lord Stanley.