When the Vegas Golden Knights acquired Mitch Marner from the Toronto Maple Leafs for Nicolas Roy, the NHL universe couldn't contain their disdain (Rhymes Like Dimes!).
"How can Kelly McCrimmon keep getting away with this?"
"The Golden Knights are ruining the NHL!"
*Insert meme of a 30-something from San Francisco screaming at the sky.*
Of course, there were reactions coming from the divisional rivals. It was something to the degree of this:
Sure, there might be detractors who'll chastise his playoff performances of old. However, people said similar things about Mark Stone and Jack Eichel. Look at how they turned out.
With that comes today's topic. We're focusing on the best trades in Golden Knights history. Since we don't know what Marner will bring to the club yet (hopefully good things), we're not counting the trade here.
However, we have four deals that made the biggest impact on the roster, particularly with the 2023 Stanley Cup-winning squad. These deals gave Vegas the necessary pieces to steamroll the competition that year and set up a strong current foundation. Time to channel our inner McCrimmon's and see which deals stand out the most.
5.) Vegas Golden Knights acquire Alec Martinez from the Los Angeles Kings
Back in 2020, the Golden Knights needed a shutdown defenseman on their blue line. In fact, they needed two. They needed shot blockers who suffocated opposing offenses without hesitation.
Now, they got Alex Pietrangelo, who was signed by Vegas during the 2020 free agency period. However, they also got Alec Martinez from the Los Angeles Kings. Along the way, the infamous Detroit Lions fan blocked 677 shots with Vegas and won another Stanley Cup in 2023. In short, his Las Vegas residency was like an Amon-Ra St. Brown touchdown (Also Rhymes Like Dimes!).
4.) The Golden Knights acquire Shea Theodore for selecting Clayton Stoner
Shea Theodore wasn't actually selected in the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft. Instead, the Vegas Golden Knights picked Clayton Stoner from the Anaheim Ducks. However, Theodore was better than the main prize.
As mentioned, he's the franchise leader in career assists (273) and has the most point shares (57.1). Quietly, he's become one of the better two-way defensemen when healthy, complementing the attack without any pressure.
3.) Golden Knights acquire Reilly Smith from the Florida Panthers for picking Jonathan Marchessault
Believe it or not, Reilly Smith wasn't selected in the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft, either. He was traded to the Golden Knights as a means to clear cap space for the Florida Panthers. Lo and behold, fans have recognized him as one of the most important pieces in franchise history.
He led the team to two Stanley Cup Finals and won a title in 2023. He also scored 127 goals and 170 assists during his seven-year Las Vegas residency, making him one of the most important pieces ever.
2.) Golden Knights acquire Mark Stone from the Ottawa Senators
The Golden Knights desperately needed a top-six forward going into the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs. They needed someone who had a little... expression to his game. Why not go with someone like Mark Stone?
The Captain has 108 goals and 215 assists during his Vegas tenure. He also has 36 goals and 36 assists with the Golden Knights. Compare that to five goals and eight assists in four seasons with the Ottawa Senators and anyone will be as excited as Stone.
Thanks, Erik Brannstrom!
1.) Jack Eichel leaves the Buffalo Sabres and becomes a Golden Knight
The big one. Once upon a time, Kelly McCrimmon was searching for an elite center. He needed someone who'd eventually score 66 assists and 94 points in a season, shattering the single-season franchise records.
Of course, the Buffalo Sabres were extremely unlikable people who didn't give Jack Eichel his disc replacement surgery. However, McCrimmon did and acquired the megastar on November 4, 2021. The next season, he scored six goals and 20 assists en route to his first Stanley Cup.
Now? He's got Mitch Marner coming on his line. Imagine how the other 31 teams must feel.
