With the big news of the NFL opening Sunday, the NHL came up with some big news of their own with Max Pacioretty traded away to Las Vegas for Tomas Tatar, Nick Suzuki and 1 2nd round pick in 2019. Pacioretty immediately signed a 4-year deal for $28 million to stay in Vegas. A lot of questions were answered within 12 hours of being traded.
The Golden Knights needed to replace the offense vacated by the James Neal departure and resolved that in grand fashion. I was expecting a bounce back for Max this year, and getting away from the negativity hanging over the Montreal franchise this season will do wonders for his game.The Guide has him projected for 32 goals and 60 points and if the Knights can carry that enthusiastic and inspired play, that should be easily attainable plus more.
In essence, Max Pacioretty becomes the main guy on this Vegas team and shedding the weight of carrying the Habs on his back should bring his A game back.
Tomas Tatar sees his third uniform in the past year and will most likely be counted on to supply the type of offense he displayed a few short years ago in Detroit where he scored 56 points in 82 games followed up by a 45 and 46 point season. But there are a lot of questions that need to be answered in Montreal and until training camp starts and we can see what type of chemistry this team has, it's best to shy away form any player until further verification.
Nick Suzuki brings speed, hockey sense and play making ability. He is the Habs future 1-2 punch down the middle along with this year's first round draft pick in Jesperi Kotkaniemi. That is a few years away but at least they are acquiring talent and picks.
I'll update the Guide in the next day or two with the effects of this trade so check back.