Hockey News’ NHL Summer Splash rankings are nearing their final stages, with the Vegas Golden Knights securing third place.
These rankings assess each team’s offseason changes, including player additions, losses, and strategic moves, to determine which teams have improved, declined, or stayed steady. While some teams defy expectations by having fewer departures or additions, others in the top tier protect themselves from a worse-than-expected outcome without necessarily having the best or worst offseason.
The Golden Knights, known for bold decisions throughout their NHL history, have once again acquired standout talent. In 2024, they brought in Calgary Flames defender Noah Honeyfin and San Jose Sharks center Thomas Hartle. Previous key acquisitions included Buffalo Sabres’ star center Jack Eichel in 2021 and Ottawa Senators’ right winger Mark Stone in 2019. This summer, GM Kelly McCrimmon made headlines by signing former Toronto Maple Leafs superstar Mitch Marner, a move that surprised no one.
Often, teams rank high because of numerous moves, but for Vegas, a single significant addition can elevate the team. As detailed below, the Golden Knights are poised to be one of the NHL’s most formidable teams next season.
Additions:
- Mitch Marner (RW), Colton Sisson (RW), Jeremy Lauzon (D)
The Golden Knights managed their salary cap well this summer, allowing McCrimmon to secure the top free agent available while parting ways with some veterans and anticipating placing another player on long-term injured reserve. Though Sisson and Lauzon are more role players who came from the Nashville Predators, Marner stands out as a 28-year-old star who tallied 75 assists and 102 points last season, marking one of McCrimmon’s biggest successes.
Marner’s two-way play will significantly aid Vegas in the regular season. Joining an experienced Stanley Cup-winning organization provides him a better environment than Toronto, where playoff success eluded him. Leafs fans will be eager to see if Marner can perform at a higher level in the playoffs with the Golden Knights. If Vegas unlocks Marner’s full potential, the trade and contract will be very worthwhile. Marner’s presence strengthens Vegas on both offense and defense.
Departures:
- Nicholas Roy (C), Victor Olofson (LW), Tanner Pearson (LW), Nicholas Hague (D)
To accommodate Marner’s substantial salary, the Golden Knights traded several solid contributors. Roy moved to Toronto in the Marner deal, and defenseman Hague was sent to Nashville. Roy was a gritty third-line center who scored at least 30 points annually. Pearson added useful depth with 27 points, and Olofson contributed 29 points in 56 games.
An ongoing concern is defenseman Alex Pietrangelo’s health; he may miss the final two years of his contract due to recovery issues. Pietrangelo, who was a reliable defenseman after joining Vegas from St. Louis and averaged over 22 minutes of ice time last year with 33 points, may end up on long-term injury reserve, a setback for the team. However, Vegas’ defensive depth should mitigate this loss.
Summary:
Landing Marner this summer guarantees a high ranking for the Golden Knights in NHL offseason evaluations. His well-rounded skills justify his $12 million annual salary over the next eight years, and this move stands out as the biggest win for any team this offseason.
Marner’s creativity and finesse will transform the Golden Knights, and in turn, this team could elevate Marner’s game, marking a promising partnership. Vegas is firmly focused on becoming a legitimate Stanley Cup contender once again, and acquiring Marner is a major step toward that goal.
Summer Splash Rankings:
- Vegas Golden Knights
- Carolina Hurricanes
- Anaheim Ducks
- Philadelphia Flyers
- Vancouver Canucks
- San Jose Sharks
- Utah Mammoth
- New York Rangers
- Detroit Red Wings
- New Jersey Devils
- St. Louis Blues
- Pittsburgh Penguins
- Colorado Avalanche
- Ottawa Senators
- Boston Bruins
- Edmonton Oilers
- Minnesota Wild
- Seattle Kraken
- Columbus Blue Jackets
- Washington Capitals
- Nashville Predators
- New York Islanders
- Tampa Bay Lightning
- Toronto Maple Leafs
- Dallas Stars
- Calgary Flames
- Los Angeles Kings
- Winnipeg Jets
- Chicago Blackhawks
- Buffalo Sabres
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Fan Take: The Golden Knights’ bold acquisition of Mitch Marner is more than just a headline move—it’s a game-changer that could reshape the NHL playoff landscape. For hockey fans, this signals an exciting emerging powerhouse that could bring fresh competition and unforgettable moments to the sport’s biggest stage.
