Golden Knights targeting Steven Stamkos?

While it was reported late last night that Vegas GM Kelly McCrimmon and soon-to- be UFA forward Jonathan Marchessault could not come to terms on a contract, sending the long-time Golden Knight to the free agent market effectively ending his 7 year tenure with Vegas that has opened the door for Vegas to pursue the biggest fish on the market. Steven Stamkos.

Stamkos, 34, will be leaving the only team he's ever known. After playing the entirety of his 16 year career to date with the Lightning, the eventual sure fire Hall of Famer will be playing elsewhere next season. While Stamkos has been linked to teams such as the Nashville Predators and Detroit Redwings, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman speculated earlier this morning that the Golden Knights could be after Stamkos.

"I am totally vexed, as Commodus said in Gladiator. Vegas would not risk Marchessault walking without backup. Guentzel is signed. Reinhart is signed. Barring a trade I haven't sniffed out, Stamkos is the true big-fish replacement. It is the Golden Knights' modus operandi top chase this."

With the loss of Marchessault's 42 goals the Knights will certainly be looking to fill the offensive hole from Marchessault's departure. You couldn't ask for a better replacement. Adding Stamkos would be more than just a name that steals the headlines. Stamkos's addition to the Golden Knights would be a huge boost to the Knights PP, as Stamkos is know for his patent one-time from the offside. 

Though the Nashville Predators are viewed as the front runners to land Stamkos at the current moment things could change over the next hour until the market officially opens.