I got this Marner/Pietrangelo idea stuck in my head and haven't been able to convince myself other wise why this wouldn't be a good idea. Vegas will be coming back with a vengeance this offseason, this is how I think it turns out
- Management/Coaching
No changes, this can't be thrown on Cassidy a year removed from a Stanley Cup win. Three major trades later, chemistry was disturbed, likely the main factor of this early exit.
- Marner/Pietrangelo 3 Way Trade
Doing this trade on Vegas' side I realized the Golden Knights can't quite afford Marner's full 10.9 AAV, so I sent over a SJS '25 3rd Round Pick as well as Daniil Chayka in order for Chicago to eat $5 million in retained cap for just 1 year. I dived into why it works for Toronto in that ACGM, I'll explain more for why it works on Vegas' end. Firstly, with the acquisition of Hertl with plenty of term, I see that being the dagger for bringing back a guy like Marchessault & Stephenson. Marner comes in and can be a perfect foil on the 1st line, being a skilled energy playmaker to set up Eichel's goal scoring. While it seems rich, I would see Marner go into training camp with a 11-12 million extension, another big move for Vegas that they aren't afraid to make. As for bringing back Reaves, his acquisition is for the room. We know VEgas is a cut throat team with high turnover. Having a glue guy like Reaves as a constant and bringing together new guys and getting them comfortable, that value alone should not be understated. He would exclusively fill in on line 4, with guys like Dorofeyev, Brisson and even Denisenko to fill in the top 9 when needed.
- Resign Phase
Carrier is a must bring back, I wouldn't pay him more then Nicolas Roy, but I would pay him close to it. The others are self explanatory, identical deals for Dorofeyev. Korczak & Patera, all played NHL time last year, likely to do the same. Ivan Morozov runs likely back to Russia, which is a shame because he is a hell of a prospect. Everybody else walks, I would have liked to bring back Martinez on a Giordano-esc deal, but he likely retires.
- Free Agency
Two reunions and two depth signings here. First off being Pacioretty who had a solid outing for himself with the Washington Capitals. In his career, Max is on the 16th hole, he's drunk and just having a fun time. Bringing him back to Vegas for provide some cheap scoring seems like a no brainer. While he might not sign for this cheap, maybe closer to the 4 million he made last year (which is still affordable), I think he's the guy on a low term deal as a huge UFA year is upcoming (Marner, Theodore, Hill, Thompson, McNabb). Subban comes back on a reunion type deal, probably 4th goalie in the depth chart, reliable AHL starter. Next up is Adam Gaudette, AHL scoring leader, someone to challenge for an NHL spot, knowing his personality, Vegas is THE place for him, low risk, medium reward. Also, is John Klingberg. May even be an AHL player for Vegas, but I think the rest of the NHL is onto Klingberg at this point, good scoring numbers, down right horrible defensive numbers, coming off of a bad injury, I would be shocked if his salary starts in 7 figures, maybe he decides to come to Vegas as he can battle for that PP QB spot. Out of anybody I'm not sold on Klingberg at that price, to play in the AHL, but down Pietrangelo the Golden Knights need some RD depth.
Vegas getting out of the backend of that Pietro contract and getting Marner would be so evil, and so on brand for Vegas. As a neutral fan with a tendency to like watching the work burn, I approve.
Hawks will definitely want more to retain on Marner. Chayka as a LD probably isn't a player the Hawks even want. Gonna need a prospect the Hawks actually want or a better pick than a 3rd.
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