After the break, the Golden Knights are set to make some big moves as the NHL season resumes. Fans of the team are eagerly anticipating the trade deadline on March 7, expecting the unexpected from General Manager Kelly McCrimmon. Despite the excitement, McCrimmon himself has hinted at a quiet deadline this year, focusing more on long-term strategy than immediate changes.
Last year, the Knights made strategic acquisitions in the form of defenseman Noah Hanifin and center Tomas Hertl, both with an eye towards building a stronger team for the future. With Hertl still under contract for four more seasons and Hanifin signing an eight-year extension, McCrimmon is playing the long game. In a recent interview, McCrimmon expressed that while the team will remain engaged and diligent, significant trades may not be on the horizon.
As the NHL season picks up post-break, the dialogue among teams is expected to intensify, with potential trade talks gaining momentum depending on early game performances and standings. McCrimmon remains optimistic about the possibility of increased activity leading up to the trade deadline, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the coming weeks.
Reflection and Strategy
McCrimmon recently reflected on the Knights’ performance leading up to the break, acknowledging a less-than-stellar record in January. Despite a month of mixed results, McCrimmon remains confident in the team’s capabilities, emphasizing the importance of consistency in achieving long-term success. The Knights’ ability to bounce back with strong wins before the break has left McCrimmon hopeful for a positive post-break resurgence, highlighting the team’s potential for growth.
4 Nations Face-Off and Injury Updates
The Knights’ involvement in the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament saw several players representing their respective countries, showcasing the team’s depth and talent on an international stage. However, the tournament also brought unfortunate news as defenseman Shea Theodore suffered an upper-body injury during a game, leaving him sidelined for the foreseeable future. McCrimmon expressed disappointment at the loss of one of the team’s key players, emphasizing the impact of Theodore’s absence on the Knights’ lineup.
In addition to Theodore’s injury, updates on other players dealing with injuries were provided, with progress reported but no immediate return to the ice for some key team members. Despite these setbacks, the Knights remain focused on bolstering their roster, most recently adding veteran left wing Brandon Saad to the team. The seamless integration of Saad into the lineup has been a positive development, with McCrimmon praising the veteran player’s contributions to the team’s performance.
Looking ahead, the rising salary cap in the NHL presents both challenges and opportunities for the Knights, as McCrimmon navigates future contract negotiations and roster decisions. With an eye towards maintaining cap certainty and building a competitive team, McCrimmon remains optimistic about the league’s financial landscape and its implications for player contracts and team dynamics.
As the season progresses and the trade deadline approaches, the Golden Knights are poised for further action, with McCrimmon leading the charge in shaping the team’s future. Stay tuned for more updates on player acquisitions, roster changes, and the team’s performance as they gear up for an exciting post-break run. Contact Danny Webster at dwebster@reviewjournal.com or follow @DannyWebster21 for the latest news and insights.
