The NHL’s biggest surprise, the expansion Vegas Golden Knights, have made a major splash at the deadline, acquiring Detroit Red Wings forward Tomas Tatar. TSN’s Brennan Klak reports the Knights gave up a first-, second-, and third-round pick for Tatar. Wings beat writer Ted Kulfan adds that it’s a 2018 first, 2019 second, and 2021 third.
The Knights are banking on continued success in the postseason, giving up their first-rounder in the franchise’s second draft ever. It’s quite a return for Detroit, though they give up a talented forward in his prime and is signed long-term. Tatar has routinely put up 40+ points in the past few seasons and plays the up-tempo style that should pair well with the Vegas system.
The Knights get their prize of the deadline, though they came close to making the biggest move of them all. TSN’s Bob McKenzie indicated that Vegas was the final team in on Ottawa Senators defensive superstar Erik Karlsson, but their push to complete the deal ran out of time. When it became clear that Karlsson (and likely Bobby Ryan) weren’t coming, GM George McPhee set his sights on Tatar.
pawtucket
That’s a pretty good haul for Detroit. Though wingers like Tatar don’t come around very often, and the 1st might be #30+
dugdog83
Undersized, offensive-only wingers who don’t play to their potential don’t come around very often?
Huge win for Detroit. Holland’s last deal he will make was one of his best.
SuperSinker
Pretty astonishing how many awful contracts Holland was able to saddle that roster with.
dominator8
Yeah I have ZERO confidence in Holland but this was one of his better moves. It’s so difficult for a GM who has been buyers for years to make the transition to being a sellers GM
JT19
Seems like a lot to give up for Tatar.
Big Poison
I thought the were eying his brother, Po.
bapthemailman
No, they really wanted his other brother, Mashed Po, the enforcer
dugdog83
His half brother Tatar-Sauce’ is reeling in the points in the Czech league.
bapthemailman
Yeah, but there’s something “Fishy” about him
vinvin345
not too bad considering nash and kane got first rounders, grabner netted a second rounder.tatar will get you 25 goals a year and is under contract for 3 more years and 5.3m per
Koodle
That’s tooo much Wtf
binarydaddy
Yea and Vegas retained all his salary…Detroit got off Scott free on that deal. At least if the picks pan out.
Sports
Doesn’t Vegas need those picks…? A lot to give up for a team who has only drafted once.
SuperSinker
Flags fly forever
brucenewton
I might have passed on Tatar if he was on waivers. Good potential trade for Detroit.