NHL Rumors: Capitals & Golden Knights Prime for Deadline Deal

The Vegas Golden Knights are looking to acquire some forward depth ahead of the March 8 trade deadline. Captain Mark Stone is out long term and Vegas now has a projected $6 million in deadline cap space to work with. There's growing speculation brewing that they'd be comfortable bringing in a familiar face from the Washington Capitals.

Fully expect #VegasBorn to big-game hunt. But another name to watch is Max Pacioretty. Would be seamless reunion. Only $2 million AAV + Vegas using LTIR = could afford Patches AND someone else
— Matt Larkin (@MLarkinHockey) February 29, 2024

Veteran forward Max Pacioretty is becoming a prime trade candidate out of Washington and a deal between the two clubs is gaining some traction. Pacioretty's dealt with his own injury troubles, however has produced 15 points in 24 games. The left winger spent parts of four seasons in Vegas and would give the Golden Knights another secondary scoring option who can play on any of the top three lines.

Max Pacioretty has 7 pts in his last 7 games. #ALLCAPS
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) March 2, 2024

The Capitals are getting calls on Nic Dowd and Nick Jensen as well as they are likely going to re-tool on the fly and try and cash in on some of their trade assets. They also have the playoffs to worry about as they are just five points behind the Tampa Bay Lightning for the final wildcard spot in the East. They also have three games in hand.

Pacioretty is a pending UFA and is on the books for $2 million, allowing Vegas some flexibility to add another piece ahead of the deadline. Pacioretty also has a full no-movement clause, however a reunion in Vegas is very likely something he'd approve.

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