As the Vegas Golden Knights eye another deep playoff push, one thing is clear: this team is built to contend. The core is strong, the depth is impressive, and the front office has shown it’s not afraid to make bold moves. But even for a team this talented, there’s still room to sharpen the edges-especially with the NHL Trade Deadline approaching and a roster freeze looming during the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Vegas has already made one splash by acquiring Rasmus Andersson, a move that reinforces their defensive identity and signals they’re firmly in “win-now” mode. But don’t expect them to stop there.
With limited cap space and the potential to use long-term injured reserve (LTIR) for flexibility, the Golden Knights are in the market for smart, strategic upgrades. This isn’t about chasing stars-it’s about finding the right pieces from the right teams to round out a championship-caliber roster.
Here are four teams that could be ideal trade partners for Vegas-and the players who might just be the missing pieces.
St. Louis Blues: Veteran Help Across the Board
The Blues are trending toward seller status, and that opens the door to some intriguing possibilities for Vegas. St. Louis has a handful of experienced players who could immediately bolster the Golden Knights in key areas.
Let’s start in net. Jordan Binnington is the top goaltender on the market, and he’s no stranger to high-stakes hockey.
A Stanley Cup winner with a gold medal from the 4 Nations tournament, Binnington brings the kind of playoff pedigree that teams crave. If Vegas is looking to solidify its goaltending depth, he’s a name to watch.
Up front, Jordan Kyrou and Robert Thomas offer speed and offensive creativity-exactly the kind of juice that could elevate Vegas’ middle six. Brayden Schenn, meanwhile, brings grit, leadership, and the kind of playoff experience that shows up when the games get tight. On the blue line, Justin Faulk would add a rugged, reliable presence in the bottom four.
Of course, making any of these moves work financially will be tricky. Vegas doesn’t have a wealth of first-round picks to dangle, and their cap situation is tight.
Any deal would likely involve prospects, mid-round picks, and salary retention-possibly even a third team to help absorb the money. It’s not simple, but if there’s a front office that can navigate those waters, it’s Kelly McCrimmon’s.
Carolina Hurricanes: Role Players With Upside
Carolina may be more buyer than seller, but they’ve got a few pieces that could interest the Golden Knights-especially if the price is right.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi has been in and out of the lineup in Raleigh, and a change of scenery could be exactly what he needs. He’s a capable third- or fourth-line center who could provide depth and versatility down the middle for Vegas.
Then there’s Frederik Andersen. The veteran netminder is on an expiring deal and has battled injuries, but he’s also proven he can handle the pressure of a playoff run. Pairing Andersen with Adin Hill could give the Golden Knights a more stable tandem heading into the spring.
Carolina’s not likely to part with core players, but moving role players for future assets is on the table-especially if the Eastern Conference playoff race tightens and they need to retool on the fly.
Vancouver Canucks: In-Division Options With Familiar Faces
Looking within the division, the Canucks are perhaps the most intriguing potential partner. While big names like Elias Pettersson and Conor Garland are likely out of reach unless Vegas is willing to part with serious assets, there are more realistic targets that could still make a real impact.
Evander Kane and Teddy Blueger stand out. Both are experienced depth scorers with playoff resumes.
Kane, in particular, has history with Vegas-he was part of the 2023 Stanley Cup run, and the team even petitioned the league to have his name engraved on the Cup. That tells you how much they valued his contributions.
These are the kinds of moves that can pay off in May and June. They won’t cost a fortune in assets or cap space, and they bring the kind of veteran presence that can stabilize a lineup when it matters most. With some creative cap maneuvering-possibly involving a third team to retain salary-Vegas could make this work without disrupting its core.
New York Rangers: Familiar Faces and Smart Depth
The Rangers are in a bit of a transition, and that could open the door for Vegas to scoop up some helpful short-term pieces.
Jonathan Quick is a name that jumps off the page. The veteran goaltender has been steady in a backup role and, of course, has history with the Golden Knights. Bringing him back would give Vegas another trusted option in net, someone who’s been there before and knows what it takes.
On defense, Carson Soucy is a physical, stay-at-home type who could slide into the third pairing and give the blue line some added bite. He’s not flashy, but he’s dependable-and that’s exactly what you want in a depth defenseman during a playoff run.
And then there’s Artemi Panarin. Yes, he’s a star.
Yes, he has a no-movement clause. But he’s also on an expiring deal, and if he’s open to coming to Vegas, the fit could be electric.
Panarin would inject high-end scoring into the lineup and give the Golden Knights another weapon on the power play. It’s a long shot, but not out of the question.
The Bottom Line: Calculated Moves for a Contender
The Golden Knights are in a familiar position: contenders with championship aspirations and a front office willing to pull the right levers to get them there. But with limited cap space and a desire to preserve future assets, every move must be calculated.
Whether it’s shoring up goaltending, adding blue-line depth, or boosting the middle six, Vegas has multiple pathways to improve. The key will be finding trade partners who match their needs-and navigating the salary cap chessboard to make it all work.
One thing’s for sure: the Golden Knights aren’t standing pat. The window is open, and they’re ready to make their move.