Daily Nuggets: Golden Knights Trade Bait; RFA Targets, McDavid’s Time?

Good morning, folks. It’s been three whole days without hockey, which I do not care for. However, despite the lack of NHL games, there’s plenty to talk about. The Vegas Golden Knights have been linked to pending Free Agent Mitch Marner. But if they want the superstar winger, they’ll have to shed some salary before signing him.

Elsewhere in the Daily Nuggets, the Florida Panthers close in on making history. Vultures in Toronto salivate at the thought of signing Connor McDavid should he reach Free Agency in 2026. But first, could this finally be McDavid’s year to go dancing with Lord Stanley?

I do apologize for the late post– there’s a hellish travel story behind that– but also for the touch-and-go content over the past few days. I was in Vegas this weekend touring apartments, and I’ll be the first to admit that I slacked off a bit. This was only my second trip to Vegas– so I did everything.

And I do mean everything.

I drove out to Red Rocks. I ate at Herbs and Rye. I watched the fountain show at the Bellagio for hours. I had lunch at the Venetian. I visited the Hollywood Cars Museum. I went to a Las Vegas Aces game and got a free slice of pizza at Slice of Vegas after a Los Angeles Sparks player missed two free throws. I spent two hours at the Pinball Hall of Fame and sunk a king’s ransom worth of quarters into the Dr. No and Goldeneye machines. 

Yeah, it was a busy few days.

Most importantly, I found a place. I’m beyond excited about the move. I’ve completely fallen in love with the city, the people, the weather, and the gorgeous scenery. 

Back to the matter at hand. Let’s talk some hockey!

Golden Knights News

In less than a month, Mitch Marner will be the girl everyone asks to dance at the prom. But from the sound of it, he wants to two-step with the Golden Knights.

These Marner rumblings have been around much longer than a couple of weeks; last summer, the Golden Knights and Maple Leafs discussed a potential trade. It obviously fell through, and it’s clear why: the Maple Leafs asked for too much.

Of course, nothing comes without a price– not even a Free Agent signing. Those don’t come cheap. And if the Golden Knights want to sign a high-end player on July 1st, they’ll have to move some salary out first. Here are the three likeliest trade candidates:

I’m going to push the Mailbag one final time. I love interacting with all of you, and this is the best way to do so. Submit any questions you have about the offseason, Free Agency, etc., in the comments below!

I’ll be filling it out later today after a much-needed nap– I got no sleep on my redeye flight last night. My seat neighbor kept jerking while he slept, elbowing me in the ribs. It wasn’t hard enough to hurt, but between that and the crying baby, it wasn’t exactly a peaceful environment. But I digress.

NHL News, Rumors, & National Hockey Now

Sportsnet: Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Sidney Crosby– all the greats have had their moment in the sun. They’ve all skated laps around the rink in June with the Stanley Cup held aloft. In two weeks, we’ll find out if this year will finally be Connor McDavid’s turn.

The Athletic ($): There is little doubt in my mind that Connor McDavid will sign an extension this summer to stay with the Edmonton Oilers. But for the next month, Toronto fans and media will dream of their hometown star leaving Oil Country to bring the Maple Leafs their first Stanley Cup since 1967.

The Athletic ($): Marco Rossi needs a new contract, but he and the Minnesota Wild are at an impasse. This situation is sure to get messier in the coming weeks; now, he’s on the trade block.

Florida Hockey Now: The Panthers have their eyes set on history. On Friday, when they play Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final, they’ll set an NHL record for most games played over a three-year span.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Rebuilds are no fun. Instead of competing to win the Stanley Cup, the Penguins will compete with other teams to offer-sheet or trade for RFAs. And instead of signing big-name Free Agents, they’ll take on bad contracts for draft capital. Kyle Dubas has his work cut out for him.

Philly Hockey Now: Defenseman Cam York is a pending RFA and is due a significant pay raise from his ELC. Will James breaks down why a bridge deal would be beneficial for both sides.

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