Golden Knights Trade Deadline Acquisitions Have Been Great So Far

The Vegas Golden Knights didn't get Timo Meier at the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline. They didn't get Patrick Kane, Vladamir Tarasenko, or Jakob Chychrun either. Instead, they added three depth pieces that have only strengthened their team to a league-best 13-2-2 record since the All-Star Break.

In the team's 5-3 win over the Philadelphia Flyers Tuesday night all three trade pieces, Jonathan Quick, Ivan Barbashev, and Teddy Blueger shined.

"They all have good hockey sense and have come in and worked hard. Barbs (Ivan Barbashev) is real easy to play with, he is pretty predictable. Bluegs (Teddy Blueger) gets a big goal for us tonight and Quickie (Jonathan Quick) has obviously been sensational. It's been a lot of fun having them and seeing them contribute," said Jack Eichel, who is currently playing on a line with Barbashev.

Barbashev had his second two-goal night as a Golden Knights, scoring one on the powerplay and adding an empty netter later. With the Golden Knights, he now has 7 points in 9 games playing on the team's top line and as a net-front presence on the first powerplay with Mark Stone out.

"Barbie (Ivan Barbashev), there he is net-front powerplay and on the ice at the end of the game to protect the lead. He's just a good player and a good fit for us. I have a feeling we can play him wherever we want," said head coach Bruce Cassidy.

With injuries to Logan Thompson, Laurent Brossoit, Adin Hill, and Robin Lehner, Jonathan Quick is now the starting goaltender for the Golden Knights. He has yet to lose a game with his new team registering a .930 save percentage and a 2.25 GAA. 

"Obviously Quick, he is 4-0 now and gives us a chance to win. Guys are comfortable with him as a veteran guy," added Cassidy.

Also added was shutdown centerman Teddy Blueger, who scored his first goal as a Golden Knights against the Flyers. He now has four points in seven games with the VGK, playing as the team's fourth-line center with Nicolas Roy currently injured.

"It's good to see him get rewarded. He got inside. I think he has been so concerned about being able to check well and be in the right spots that sometimes you forget about the offensive part of it, so good for him," said coach Cassidy.

The Golden Knights finish off their five-game road trip with four wins, only losing the Florida Panthers. Surely the extra team bonding time on the road allowed for all of Barbashev, Blueger, and Quick to get comfortable with their new teammates.

"The guys and the staff, everyone has been super welcoming, easy to get along with, and very encouraging. It is kind of a change. You kind of forget when you haven't switched teams in a while how much is different," said Blueger.

The Golden Knights will return home to play the Calgary Flames on Thursday at 7:00 p.m.