Vegas Golden Knights Rumors: 3 Prospect Trade Chips At Deadline

The Vegas Golden Knights are expected to make at least one big move at the 2023 Trade Deadline as they are likely without their captain Mark Stone until the playoffs. This gives them $9.5 million to work with for the remainder of the season, but they also have another problem. The team's starting goaltender, Logan Thompson, is out of action and is listed as week-to-week. The goaltending is now a concern and Frank Seravalli said that Vegas is 100 percent in on the goaltending market now.

There are two players out that will need two to three players added at the deadline to help keep the Golden Knights in contention and in the playoff picture. Last season they were sunk by injuries and missed the playoffs for the first time. That isn't something they are looking to do again.

Owen Krepps reported that there are three prospects that could be trade chips for the Golden Knights to acquire what they need. At least one of Brendan Brisson, Zach Dean, and Lukas Cormier could be dealt, especially if the team is looking to bring in one of the big names still available like Patrick Kane or Timo Meier. As for goalies, it may cost Vegas one of these prospects if they intend on bringing in someone like Karel Vejmelka as well.

Brisson was drafted 29th overall in 2020 and is a rookie in the AHL. The timetable for his arrival in the NHL is possibly by the end of next season. He has seven goals and 19 points in 38 games this season for the Henderson Silver Knights, but recorded three goals and eight points last season once he finished his season at University of Michigan.

Dean was drafted one year later at 30th overall in 2021 and is still playing in the QMJHL. The young center's numbers won't pop off the page at you, but he is effective and plays at over a point-per-game. He represented Canada at the World Juniors this year and that isn't an easy team to make. He also has 21 goals and 44 points in 34 games this season in his final in junior. Dean will most likely be headed to the AHL for the entirety of next season.

The final prospect who has value and could be moved is Cormier. He was an immediate steal for Vegas as his production skyrocketed the season after he was drafted. Cormier went from six goals and 36 points in 44 games to 16 goals and 54 points in 39 games the following season. He finished even stronger in his final season in the QMJHL before now playing as a rookie in the AHL. He has seven goals and 25 points in 42 games, and like Brisson, will likely still be developing in the AHL until at least near the end of next season.