Rumor: Tough choices ahead for Vegas on the trade front

The Vegas Golden Knights are still going strong and having a successful start to the 2017-18 season; a much-better one than anyone predicted. The great start to the inaugural season is fantastic, but also created quite a conundrum for general manager George McPhee.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman explained on NHL Network this morning that Vegas needs to focus on the focus when considering trade options. 

“I think Las Vegas holds the key. What are they doing with all of their guys,” he said.

“It’s tough,” added Friedman. “As an owner I say, ‘I kind of like this, I want to go for the playoffs,’ but they need to build. They’ve got a lot of guys who are unrestricted free agents. They need to build.”

The Knights, who are10-5-1 with a second-place stake in the Pacific, have interesting pieces to sell if they look to add top prospects and picks to their arsenal. James Neal remains the biggest piece in terms of potential trade bait from Vegas before the deadline.

The 30-year-old does hold a modified no-trade clause, which details eight teams to which he cannot be dealt, but could be willing to join a Cup contender this spring. However, that team will need to take on his $5 million cap hit.

In 16 games so far this season, the star winger has recorded nine goals and 13 points. 

McPhee could also choose to use 29-year-old winger David Perron as trade bait. With 14 points already this season, the veteran forward is becoming attractive to rival clubs. His cap hit is more affordable than Neal's at a mere $3.75 million.

Tough choices ahead for Vegas...