It appears that the Vegas Golden Knights will need to re-evaluate their plans as the NHL Trade Deadline approaches. The team seems to be preparing for a future without star forward Mark Stone. The 30-year-old has undergone two surgeries on his back in less than a calendar year, though it was previously reported that his current injury is different from the one he dealt with last season.
Now, with the team placing Stone on injury reserve, all signs point toward the forward missing the remainder of the season. However, placing Stone on the IR will give the Vegas Golden Knights an extra roster spot, which should have them entering their name into the buyer's market.
"Mark Stone's injury has dealt a huge blow to the Vegas Golden Knights. Will Vegas look for another forward at the trade deadline? #VegasBorn @Jackie_Redmond | @EJHradek_NHL | @Rupper17 | #NHLNow" - NHL Network
According to several experts, including NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the team will look to add a player to fill in for Mark Stone. The likes of Ivan Barbashev and Noel Acciari of the St. Louis Blues may be the best fits for the Vegas Golden Knights.
"Elliotte Friedman says he thinks the Golden Knights don’t expect Mark Stone to be back this regular season. Friedge mentioned Acciari and Barbashev again. Marek mentioned Meier #VegasBorn" - Owen Krepps
Barbashev may be the best trade target for the team, as not only will he come at an affordable price, but his versatility will help Vegas all over the ice. The Blues forward can play at the center and wing spots. Despite his scoring output being down this season, he tallied career-highs of 26 goals and 34 assists last season, which should make him an intriguing buy-low candidate.
However, several contenders, including the Boston Bruins, the Seattle Kraken and the New York Rangers, have been linked to the 27-year-old Russian forward.
A look at the Vegas Golden Knights season this year
It has been yet another strong season for the Knights, who currently sit atop the Pacific Division with a 33-18-4 record. Their 70 points place them second in the Eastern Conference and eighth in the entire NHL. However, the Seattle Kraken sit only two points behind Vegas for the Pacific Division crown, so a move may be necessary.
"Golden Knights potential trade deadline targets Tyler Bertuzzi, Ivan Barbashev, a goalie, and 3 others. On @TheAthleticNHL" - Jesse Granger
While the team has enjoyed solid seasons from their goalies and defense, posting an impressive 2.60 goals-against average, the one thing holding them back from serious Stanley Cup contention is their offense. The team currently ranks 14th in the NHL with 176 goals scored, so the potential addition of Ivan Barbashev could be massive for the club.
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