NHL Rumours: Vegas Golden Knights and Nick Robertson
New Addition Brings Optimism
The Golden Knights have been in the spotlight with rumors suggesting they would be a good trade destination for disgruntled Toronto Maple Leafs LW Nick Robertson. Some argue that this move would be a “win-win” for both teams. However, Toronto GM Brad Treliving has no plans to trade the 22-year-old, hoping instead to resolve the issues internally.
Analyzing the Potential Trade
Nick Robertson is recognized for his potential to be a consistent 20+ goal scorer in the NHL. Before Vegas acquired Alexander Holtz, there was a strong argument for bringing Robertson into the fold. However, after the Holtz deal, making room for Robertson without sidelining Pavel Dorofeyev’s potential as a top-six forward became challenging. Dorofeyev’s career stats are quite comparable to Robertson’s, suggesting that prioritizing Robertson could be detrimental in the long term.
Additionally, if Victor Olofsson regains the scoring touch he demonstrated in Buffalo three seasons ago, the supposed gap between Robertson and the current roster could turn into a subtle advantage for Vegas. This consideration alone diminishes the urgency of the rumored trade.
The Reality of NHL Trades
Speculation continues about potential trades, but the reality of NHL roster management is complex. For example, trading Robertson for a second-round pick seems plausible, especially in light of recent trades such as the New York Rangers acquiring Reilly Smith for a second-rounder, and the Tampa Bay Lightning and Washington Capitals trading third-round picks for Jake Guentzel and Jakob Chychrun, respectively.
However, bringing Ivan Barbashev into the equation could be a game-changer for Toronto. Barbashev’s potential to fill a top-six forward spot, particularly with Bobby McMann dealing with a persistent lower-body issue, makes him a valuable asset. Given Barbashev’s experience, including two Stanley Cup rings and over 200 career points, Treliving would be wise to consider this option.
Conclusion: Embracing the Offseason Speculation
Ultimately, while the current rumors may not materialize, they offer intriguing scenarios for fans and analysts to ponder as the preseason approaches. The NHL offseason is a mix of high-stakes drama and engaging hypotheticals, providing endless entertainment for hockey enthusiasts.
As we count down to the preseason opener against the San Jose Sharks in 73 days, the Vegas Golden Knights continue to strategize and strengthen their roster, ensuring they remain competitive and ready for the challenges ahead.
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