s23 - Busy deadline for Vegas [WB9]
2023-02-20Vegas, NV - The Vegas Golden Knights seemed a bit trigger happy in the VHL’s 23rd edition of the trade deadline this week.
Vegas made three NHL deals, shedding a touch of offence, instead they elected to re-configure their bottom six with tactical purpose.
The first deal happened last week and saw first year Golden Knight Mike Fisher shipped out to the Chicago Blackhawks along with AHL centreman Mike Zigomanis and a third round pick this year.
Vegas’ return netted them forwards Darren Helm, Calle Jarnkrok, and a second round pick next year.
While Fisher is the most talented piece moved in the exchange, he’s set to start regressing and he’s only a centre. Helm is better defensively and can play centre and wing making him a perfect fit for the third line. Jarnkrok also has a bright future as a bottom sixer and a pick upgrade helps Vegas for the future.
Next up was long-time Golden Knights forward Patrick Eaves being shipped after nine seasons in the organization where he logged over 700 games, with 400-plus coming in the NHL. He was dealt along with a New York Islanders second round pick to the Buffalo Sabers. Headed back to Vegas was $4.6 million in cap space and the Phoenix Coyotes first round pick.
“Tough to see Eaves go but he fell into a rut this season like Fisher did. Both just didn’t have the offensive output we expected and as such wanted to recoup some futures for a talented player that slipped down the organizations depth chart,” Vegas General Manager David Zammit said. “We wish Eaves good luck in Buffalo and thank him for his time here.”
The grande finale wasn’t much but it was a player the team was after in the offseason but didn’t land. With a new opening in the forward group upon Eaves departure, Vegas made an effective 4th line buy in Dainius Zubrus.
“He’ll help the squad with penalty kills and he’s a perfect fit for the fourth line,” Zammit remarked.
Wait what? Fourth line? I guess that means Mason Raymond is finally going back into the top nine.
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