Daily Nuggets: Golden Knights Future; Hughes to the Rescue?

Yesterday, the Vegas Golden Knights held their first practice in nearly two weeks. You’ve missed hockey, I’ve missed hockey, we’ve all missed hockey– but we’re almost there. We’re in the home stretch now, folks. 

The Golden Knights made a minor AHL move that makes me wonder what’s coming next. Things rarely are what they seem when it comes to this team; you never know what’s coming next, and isn’t that exciting? Speaking of the Golden Knights’ unpredictability, it’s no secret that the organization prioritizes success in the present over the future. That mentality led them to a Stanley Cup in just six years, but also left them with a barren prospect pool.

Elsewhere in the Daily Nuggets, Quinn Hughes was reportedly on his way to Boston but was present when the Canucks met for practice in Vancouver. So, Team USA will have only six defensemen for their meeting with Canada on Thursday for the 4 Nations Face-Off final. The Colorado Avalanche and the New Jersey Devils have some positive injury updates, but the Devils also have a few bad ones.

Golden Knights News

Is any sacrifice too much in the quest for the ultimate goal? Is any price too great if the return yields a Stanley Cup? I don’t think so; however, the cost of winning is undeniable. The Golden Knights’ prospect pool is lacking, and here’s a look at the futures they traded away.

The Golden Knights sent Grigori Denisenko to the Nashville Predators in exchange for fan-favorite Future Considerations. NHL insiders promised us trades over this 4 Nations Face-Off break, but this wasn’t what I had in mind. However, I think moving Denisenko is a preliminary move to something bigger.

NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now

Sportsnet: Charlie McAvoy is out of the 4 Nations Face-Off final? We’re doomed! Oh, what’s that? Quinn Hughes istaking his place? We’re saved! Wait, what? Hughes might not play after all? I’m confused, and we might be doomed again. I’m kidding, of course– traveling from Vancouver to Boston and then immediately to Vegas is a tall ask, especially since he might not even be eligible to play. Still, if Hughes does suit up for Team USA, I’d feel better about their chances of winning.

NHL: The Vancouver Canucks have extended forward Drew O’Connor– once a Golden Knights’ trade target. 

Colorado Hockey Now: The Colorado Avalanche return to action on Saturday along with most of the league– jeez, are there really 14 games scheduled?– and may do so with a bolstered lineup. Val Nichushkin is nearing a return, and Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar hasn’t ruled him out.

Chicago Hockey Now: Have you enjoyed watching the 4 Nations Face-Off Tournament? If so, you’re not alone there; several Blackhawks players think the NHL is “hitting all the right notes as a league.”

New York Islanders Hockey Now: We haven’t heard much about Brock Nelson recently. Russ Macias wonders if the Winnipeg Jets might be an interested team if the Islanders don’t re-sign Nelson.

New Jersey Hockey Now: Here’s some good news for Devils fans: Captain Nico Hischier is close to returning from injury. However, defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler underwent a procedure over the break, so he won’t be back for a while.

NHL History: On February 19th, 1979, Mike Bossy of the New York Islanders scored in his 129th game and became the fastest player to reach 100 goals.