Golden Knights Should Take Swing At Multiple Penguins Forwards

It was reported that the Pittsburgh Penguins are looking to sell off pieces and are entertaining offers on Erik Karlsson, Richard Rakell, and Bryan Rust, per David Pagnotta. While it appears as though the Los Angeles Kings are in talks with the Penguins regarding one or more of these players, it is also the perfect opportunity for the Vegas Golden Knights to upgrade this offseason.

Vegas has four UFA forwards that will all likely hit free agency, so there is a need to upgrade the wing at the very least. This group of forwards includes Reilly Smith, Tanner Pearson, Victor Olofsson, and Brandon Saad. I would count Karlsson out of any discussion with the Golden Knights right now unless Alex Pietrangelo misses the majority of next season and it is announced early.

Regarding Rakell and Rust, both would fit in well for the Golden Knights. The team has $9.6 million in projected cap space for next season, are expected to trade Nic Hague, who is a RFA, and could also deal William Karlsson's $5.9 million AAV cap hit. This would definitely free up enough cap room to make multiple moves.

Rakell and Rust have done great on the Penguins and both have three years remaining on their deals. Rakell has a $5 million AAV cap hit with an 8-team no trade clause while Rust has a $5.125 million AAV cap hit. The no trade clause is very unlikely to include Vegas. The length on the contracts and the cap hits are perfect for a contender like Vegas to get someone as talented as one of the veterans from Pittsburgh.

The biggest need for the Golden Knights is on the wing. Rakell put up 35 goals and 70 points while Rust recorded 31 goals and 65 points. With the term, cap hit, talent, and experience both possess, acquiring one of them will not come easy, but Vegas has had no problem packaging the future away for immediate success. I expect no different here as either one could be a game-changer. The Kings will post a challenge as they are looking for similar upgrades, but so will other teams as well. It will be interesting if the Penguins decide to sell their big pieces.