Potential VGK Sleeper Additions in NHL Free Agency

Here’s a list in no particular order players who would be big sleeper additions in NHL Free Agency for the Vegas Golden Knights.

Joe Thornton, C – San Jose

Hear me out. Pete DeBoer has a relationship with Thornton. He’s 41 and said today he wants to play still. On a cheap contract Thornton can give you tremendous experience and puck distribution. He might not be the Jumbo of five years ago but I’m curious enough to take a look.

Dominic Kahun, LW – Buffalo

Kahun really showed me something this season. Buffalo continues to negotiate with the player even though they did not qualify him. I think he can play quality minutes in the bottom six for a really good price.

TJ Brodie, D – Calgary

Very quietly it seems the Flames have yet to get Brodie back under contract. He’s been a fixture on the blueline there for a long time. I could see him on a Vegas team that could use a solid, reliable defender. His offensive output dropped last year and he just turned 30, so perhaps there’s a bargain to be had here. I could see a change of scenery being just what the doctor ordered.

Carter Verhaege, LW – Tampa Bay

He’s young (25), just won a Stanley Cup, and will run you league minimum. Another guy you could find a lot of use for in a bottom-six role. His advanced numbers actually look good, but keep in mind how good Tampa is too. I think Vegas is that good.

Lucas Wallmark, C – Florida

Another inexpensive center who can slot in the bottom six. I feel like the Golden Knights could use a few more on the depth chart. Wallmark provides NHL experience for a bargain price. Not my top option but when every dollar counts his stock rises.

Tyler Toffoli, W – Vancouver

I really like Toffoli’s game and he showed his true value when he was finally reinserted into the Canucks lineup before they were eliminated by Vegas in seven games. He’s a center which is a plus for the VGK. The question is what his price will be. The Canucks couldn’t make the room to bring him back. If Stastny is moved and they need a second-line center, he’s a great target.

Here’s a list of players I’d pass on in NHL Free Agency.

Anton Khudobin, G – Dallas

Khudobin looked great for Dallas in the playoffs. I’ve always liked his game even in the minors when I got to see him play. The issue is at 34, could he really do this for another team for the next three-ish years? As a 1B maybe if it’s affordable, but I’d rather cast my lot with some of the other available FA goalies.

Anthony Duclair, F – Ottawa

Duclair is mercurial. When he cares to compete he has incredible skill. He just doesn’t always care to compete. If he ever gets his head right he’ll be a steal for someone. But I don’t see that happening and wouldn’t take the chance.

Corey Crawford, G – Chicago

I hate to say it but between his age and injury history, I can’t find a place for the former Stanley Cup winner on my roster. I wonder if anyone does.

Taylor Hall, F – Arizona

Hall seems like one of those talented players who can put up numbers but isn’t able to be “the guy” to make you a winner. That’s a lot of bread to throw at someone who has to be a third piece. Pass.

Kyle Turris, F – Nashville

Turris’ best years are behind him, and while he could be effective in the right role I think there are other, younger players available who can do the same thing.

Alex Galchenyuk, F – Minnesota

Galchenyuk is another mystery. Loads of talent. Has shown scoring ability. Doesn’t even know the defensive zone exists. You could ignore the last one when his offensive numbers were good. Now that the scoring has dried up you can’t ignore it anymore.

Craig Smith, F – Nashville

Smith has always been that guy you wait for to really break out. He scores in bunches and looks great when he’s on. Then there’s every other time. At 30, it’s time to call him what he is – a streaky scorer who doesn’t have enough of them to justify a spot on the roster.

Follow us on Twitter @VegasHockeyNow for what promises to be a crazy NHL Free Agency period, and let us know in the comments who you would go after if you were the GM of the Golden Knights.