4 players Golden Knights could target before NHL trade deadline

How big of a swing will the Vegas Golden Knights take before Friday’s trade deadline?

Right now, the sense is a line-drive single up the middle.

The Knights aren’t in position to go for a top-tier name available, like Nazem Kadri or Robert Thomas, especially after they made their huge swing by acquiring Rasmus Andersson in January.

But it’s the trade deadline. It’s the Knights. They’re not just going to sit back and let noon Friday pass without making any other efforts. That wouldn’t be general manager Kelly McCrimmon’s MO, especially with the team in a rut.

That picture might be clearer after the Knights wrap up their five-game road trip this week, which continues Tuesday against the Buffalo Sabres.

There are players reportedly available who would help the Knights — whether it’s a center to replace William Karlsson this season, or adding scoring punch on the wing down the lineup.

Any one of these moves would have to involve salary retention, but here are four names that might be on the radar:

Jason Dickinson — C, Chicago Blackhawks

Chicago is in a seller’s position while also trying to build around franchise cornerstone Connor Bedard. Trading veterans seems likely.

Dickinson wouldn’t give the offensive punch needed with six goals and 13 points this season. If Karlsson is out the rest of the season, a serviceable, defensive-minded center to plug on the third line isn’t a bad idea.

The 30-year-old is an unrestricted free agent this summer carrying a $4.25 million cap hit.

Evan Rodrigues — F, Florida Panthers

The two-time defending Stanley Cup champions could waive the white flag if they can’t give themselves a chance to get back into playoff contention before Friday.

That would call for key players to be moved. Rodrigues would be an intriguing one. He’s the kind of bottom-six offensive provider the Knights could use on the wing.

Rodrigues also played parts of four seasons with Jack Eichel in Buffalo. Familiarity wouldn’t be a bad thing. Rodrigues has evolved into a consistent 30-point player and a near-20-goal scorer.

At 32, Rodrigues has one more year on his contract at $3 million after this season.

Michael Bunting — F, Nashville Predators

The same could be said in Nashville if the Predators think the playoffs are out of reach. A fire sale could be coming.

If Nashville is open for business, revisiting talks between McCrimmon and outgoing Predators general manager Barry Trotz could be done. The Knights traded Nic Hague to Nashville for Colton Sissons and Jeremy Lauzon in June.

Bunting, a two-time 20-goal scorer, is another potential bottom-six option with 13 goals and 31 points. He’s in the final year of his contract with a $4.5 million cap hit.

Blake Coleman — F, Calgary Flames

Why not have one more conversation with Flames general manager Craig Conroy?

The Knights and Flames have done extensive business before, including with the Andersson trade.

Calgary is still in selling mode while 10 points out of a playoff spot entering Monday. Coleman is one of the top Flames available on the market.

The former 30-goal scorer has just 13 in 47 games this season, but the two-time Stanley Cup champion could be revitalized for another playoff run.

The 34-year-old has one year remaining on his deal after this year with a $4.9 million cap hit.

Up next

Who: Golden Knights at Buffalo Sabres

When: 4 p.m. Tuesday

Where: KeyBank Center, Buffalo, N.Y.

TV: KMCC-34

Radio: KFLG 94.7 FM/KKGK 1340 AM

Line: Sabres -120; total 6½