In a tough offseason decision, the Vegas Golden Knights have officially parted ways with yet another beloved and experienced player after failing to reach an agreement on a new contract. This move comes as a shock to fans, especially following a challenging free agency period that has already seen several key players leave the team.
Trade Pitch: Rangers Eyeing $36 Million Stanley Cup Champion Defenseman
The New York Rangers, fully within their Stanley Cup window, are reportedly exploring a major trade to strengthen their defensive lineup. A proposal from PuckPedia’s new PuckGM tool suggests a blockbuster deal that would see the Rangers acquire defenseman Shea Theodore from the Vegas Golden Knights.
Proposed Trade Breakdown:
- Rangers Receive: Shea Theodore
- Golden Knights Receive: Braden Schneider, Grigori Denisenko, and a first-round draft pick
This trade pitch is intriguing as it aligns with the Rangers’ push to win the Stanley Cup, while also helping Vegas rejuvenate their roster with younger talent and a valuable first-round pick.
Shea Theodore is entering the final year of his seven-year, $36.4 million contract with the Golden Knights, where he’s been a key contributor for the past seven seasons. Theodore was instrumental in Vegas’ Stanley Cup victory in 2022 and last season, he played in 47 games, tallying 5 goals and 37 assists for 42 points.
On the other hand, Grigori Denisenko, a 2018 first-round pick by the Florida Panthers, has struggled to establish himself as a full-time NHL player. He’s appeared in 32 NHL games, recording 0 goals and 7 assists, but he could bring depth to Vegas’ lineup.
Braden Schneider, a 22-year-old defenseman drafted in the first round of the 2020 NHL Draft, would be a solid replacement for Theodore on the Golden Knights’ blue line. Meanwhile, Riley Smith, who was recently acquired by the Rangers to add some offensive firepower, is also part of this trade pitch, potentially returning to Vegas, where he played a key role in their 2022 Cup win.
Rangers GM Hints at Major Offseason Shakeup
After the Rangers fell short in the Eastern Conference Finals, losing to the Florida Panthers in six games, General Manager Chris Drury hinted at significant changes to come. “We’re looking at a lot of different things,” Drury said on June 7. “Nothing’s off the table. We’re trying to be better and to reach our ultimate goal.”
This offseason, the Rangers made a few moves, including trading for Riley Smith and signing Sam Carrick, but overall, it has been relatively quiet.
Golden Knights Lose Star Players
The Golden Knights have had a rough offseason, losing several star players, including Jonathan Marchessault, Chandler Stephenson, and Alec Martinez, in free agency. Additionally, William Carrier, Michael Amadio, and Anthony Mantha also departed.
Reflecting on the departures, Vegas GM Kelly McCrimmon acknowledged the difficulty of free agency, saying, “Days like this are tough for fans. We tried to retain these players, but ultimately, they exercised their rights as unrestricted free agents.”
The Golden Knights are coming off a disappointing end to last season, where they were eliminated in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs by the Dallas Stars.
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