Around the League: Vegas' Aggressive Player Acquisition Should be Replicated, not Complained About

From The Silky Mitten State: The Golden Knights aggressive approach to roster construction should be emulated around the league, not the subject of whining

Coming out of the NHL's trade deadline, the Vegas Golden Knights did what they've done since their founding in 2017—starred as the league's main character and did so in polarizing fashion.

First, the Knights brought in former Red Wing Anthony Mantha from the Washington Capitals.  Then, they acquired Noah Hanifin, arguably the top defenseman available, from the Calgary Flames.  Finally, they made the biggest splash of all by bringing in Tomas Hertl from their Pacific Division rival San Jose Sharks.

The Hertl move was the biggest surprise because of both the fact that he was not involved in any sort of pre-deadline rumors and also the seemingly scant return (a first round pick and prospect of modest acclaim, despite San Jose retaining on Hertl's contract for six seasons to come).

The move drew ire from a certain segment of NHL fans, who cried foul at the way Vegas has leaned on Long-Term Injured Reserve to make the acquisitions work under the salary cap.  It's a 'loophole' (to the extent that something known and accepted amongst the league's power brokers can be called a loophole) that allows a team to exceed the cap during the regular season because injured players on LTIR do not count against the cap.  Those players can then return in the playoffs when the cap no longer applies.  

It's a tactic that's been used at least since Patrick Kane was placed on LTIR by the 2015 Chicago Blackhawks (who went on to win the Stanley Cup) and also the Tampa Bay Lightning during their twin Cup runs to begin the 2020s, as well as last year's Knights.  At the moment, Vegas has Hertl and captain Mark Stone on LTIR, with both expected to return for the playoffs.

On the most recent episode of The Silky Mitten State, my co-host Connor Earegood and I discussed this issue, with both of us arriving at the conclusion that Vegas is playing by the rules the league has laid out.  Rather than getting angry, other teams should beat the Knights or follow their model.  Here's a snippet of that conversation:

For full episodes of The Silky Mitten State, go to Apple Podcasts or Spotify:

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Red Wings Alumni Report: Klim Kostin Thriving since Trade to San Jose

Power Play Success Driving Red Wings at Crucial Time

First Period Disaster, Raymond and Kane Decisive, Steady Performances from Copp and Walman-Seider: Red Wings-Blue Jackets Statistical Review

Injury Update: Larkin Skates Again; Maintenance Days for Perron and Compher; Rasmussen Under the Weather; Walman Still Unavailable

Red Wings Can’t Afford Another Wakeup Call

Raymond Drives Red Wings to Comeback OT Win over Columbus

Redefining an NHL Factory: Kristy McNeil Revolutionizes Social Media for Michigan Hockey