Daily Nuggets: Zegras Feuds With Stetcher, Golden Knights Trade Talk

With the Vegas Golden Knights off until Feb. 7th, stay tuned for a lot of columns and opinionated pieces here at VHN. We'll have full coverage of the 2023 NHL All-Star Game and what Bruce Cassidy and Logan Thompson do at the event this weekend. 

But as of right now, the current state of the team has not changed, as it has only been a day.

Vegas Golden Knights

Team Issues: Head coach Bruce Cassidy laid out all of the team's current problems after a Jan. 19th loss to the Detroit Red Wings. They all still ring true.

Scoring Woes: Scoring is perhaps the biggest issue right now for the VGK, who have scored three or fewer goals in six of their last seven games.

Core Piece Gone: The recent slump that the Golden Knights are on has come ever since the loss of captain Mark Stone due to injury. 

Trickle-Down Affect: Now, without Stone, the Golden Knights are in a state of limbo as they can't make any other moves to improve the team.

Stars Slumping: It doesn't help that star players like Jack Eichel, Chandler Stephenson, and Reilly Smith are not performing on offense without Stone.

Biggest Star Not Shining: Jack Eichel, in particular, has not lived up to expectations. He has one point in eight games since Stone's injury and is a -8.

Opinion: Perhaps it's Eichel's linemates that are the problem, and general manager Kelly McCrimmon should hit the trade market for a scoring winger.

Trade Talk: The Golden Knights are still carrying three NHL goaltenders, and the Pittsburgh Penguins and Toronto Maple Leafs could use one.

Not An Issue: Despite what Logan Thompson will tell you, the Golden Knight's problems recently have been far from the goaltenders' faults. 

Pacific Division: Both the Seattle Kraken and Los Angeles Kings are gaining ground on the VGK in the standings, with the Alberta teams not far behind.

Standings Update: SEA 63, VGK 62, LAK 62 | EDM 60, CGY 57

In short, the Golden Knights couldn't have asked for a better time for a break, as they rest up for the final push of the regular season.

Clip of the Day: Heated moment here between Trevor Zegras and Troy Stetcher. A normal NHL scrum turned into something more, as Zegras allegedly made comments about Stetcher's late father, who passed away from diabetes. 

NHL News, Trade Rumors, and National Hockey Now

Chicago: Legendary Chicago Blackhawks and Winnipeg Jets player Bobby Hull has passed away.

Edmonton: Could the Edmonton Oilers be after center Nick Bjugstad on the NHL Trade Market?

Pittsburgh: With Tristan Jarry out, the Pittsburgh Penguins could look to the trade market for an extra goalie.

Philly: Three players that could be on the Philadelphia Flyers' radar in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.

Detroit: What's on the to-do list for the Detroit Red Wings after the All-Star Break?

Boston: The high-flying Boston Bruins are getting a taste of urgency now, as they have lost three-straight games.