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Paul Stastny Turned Down Potential Vegas Reunion?

Trey Daubert / NHL / August 25, 2022

Paul Stastny Turned Down Potential Vegas Reunion?

Phil Kessel is the newest member of the Vegas Golden Knights. Turns out there is an alternate universe where Kessel never signs with the Knights. Paul Stastny signed a contract with the Carolina Hurricanes. Word on the street is Stastny actually turned down more money from the team he used to play for in Vegas.

VIA Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports on his 32 Thoughts Podcast:

“It’s a move that soothes one loss that they had and that was Paul Stastny. I think he turned down more money in Vegas than he got in Carolina.”

Stastny, 36, spent two seasons in Vegas playing for the team in 2018 and 19. Stastny then was traded back to the Jets whom he had played with prior to joining the Knights. Did Stastny not like his stint with Vegas? Maybe but Friedman suggests fit probably had more to do with it.

The Knights are pretty strong down the middle. Jack Eichel, William Karlsson, and Nic Roy are the top three centers. That’s not including Chandler Stephenson who has to play left wing because of the depth Vegas has. Brett Howden is a more than fine 4th liner. That’s not even including Nolan Patrick who has been ruled out for the season. Stastny would have had to play left winger for the Knights.

In Carolina, the fit is actually pretty necessary. Carolina lost Vincent Trocheck to the Rangers this offseason. Jesperi Kotkaniemi is first in line to take the role left behind by Trocheck. We know Jordan Staal is locked in as the third line guy and face-off king. If Kotkaniami struggles, Stastny is sitting there waiting in the wings. At this point, does anyone have confidence that Kotkaniami gets the job done here?

Can Phil Kessel Actually Help The VGK?

Time will tell if losing out on Paul Stastny proves vital for Vegas. For those seeking an optimistic approach, there is a chance Vegas got this right anyway. Stastny is a couple of years older and does not have the offensive upside Kessel provides. The butterfly effect is real!