Jake Guentzel: Are The Golden Knights His Next Landing Spot?

Jake Guentzel: Are The Golden Knights His Next Landing Spot?

Just like a year ago, the Golden Knights are in prime position to do some heavy lifting at the NHL Trade Deadline. Stone is once again out for an extended period of time after suffering a lacerated spleen. Who will Vegas try to acquire this year to make a push to repeat as Stanley Cup champs? Is Jake Guentzel destined to play for the VGK?

Frank Seravalli over at the Daily Faceoff updated his trade target board and it’s spicy…

“A trade is just a phone call away, and there may be a break in the market. Sources say the ever-aggressive Vegas Golden Knights, who love chasing the shiny toy in their quest for a second straight Stanley Cup, are active in seeking an impact winger for their roster. In fact, they were on that trail before captain Mark Stone went down with another injury – which the club says will keep him out “for a while.” Reading between the lines, that means the GM Kelly McCrimmon could have Stone’s $9.5 million to play with on LTIR.”

“Would the Golden Knights target Jake Guentzel? Or could a reunion with Reilly Smith be in the cards? The Penguins, now nine points out of a playoff spot, are believed to have made Smith available. While there was no salary retention in his trade last summer, the league’s collective bargaining agreement prohibits retention on any deal in which a team reacquires a player after trading him within the same calendar year, so that would be one roadblock to overcome.”

Jake Guentzel Expresses Desire To Stay With Penguins

Speaking of Reilly Smith, Vegas is obviously reportedly interested. A reunion to bring one of the original misfits back makes all the sense in the world. Especially when you consider the fact that Pittsburgh would likely retain to increase the return. Having Smith back in the fold on a $2.5 million cap hit next year sounds damn good.

I just wonder if there is a way to acquire both in one fell swoop. Given that Mark Stone’s $9.5 million gets shifted to LTIR, Vegas would have room to theoretically add both. Something I bet Kelly McCrimmon is very much trying to find a way to accomplish.

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