Are The Golden Knights Ready To Cheese The Mark Stone LTIR Again?
Last year it was back surgery. This year it’s a lacerated spleen. Because of the LTIR rules, the Golden Knights were able to go over the cap to acquire key players like Ivan Barbashev, Jonathan Quick, and Teddy Blueger during the trade deadline only to have Stone return for the Cup run. It’s safe to say that ended very well after Vegas hoisted Lord Stanely a year ago.
The back surgery happened in February last year. We’re also in February when the lacerated spleen injury occurred. Could the injury also prove to be a blessing in disguise like last year? Kelly McCrimmon already said Stone will be out “a while” so many fans are thinking the same thing.
Who are the Golden Knights getting at the trade deadline this year in order to repeat as champs?
With the Penguins in a free fall and poised to miss the playoffs for the second year in a row, there is chatter that they will trade Jake Guentzel. Vegas is reportedly very much in the mix to land the Penguins winger. Oh, and apparently they want Reilly Smith back too. With Stone’s money shifting to LTIR, both Smith and Guentzel could fit.
Can you imagine adding Smith back along with Guentzel? Given how strong the Vegas D core is and the amazing play of Adin Hill, how do you not like their chances to repeat?
Expect Vegas to be aggressive. It’s also worth noting that it seems like McCrimmon and Kyle Dubas have a solid working relationship. They did business not too long ago on the original Smith trade. Given the new reality in Pittsburgh, they likely will have talks again.
It’s not like Smith and Guentzel are the only pieces Vegas is interested in. They just make the most sense. Beefing up that forward group to add offense makes this team in Vegas even scarier.
Also, if you’re crying about this just know you’re a loser. The rules are the rules and the VGK have every right to do this. The injury to Stone is legitimate. Do you understand how painful a lacerated spleen is? It’s embarrassing that people legitimately think he’s faking this.
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