Impact of Tomas Tatar on Golden Knights

The Vegas Golden Knights made a few moves on Trade Deadline day, but there was one that many thought was the signal that this team was going to try to not only make the playoffs, but possibly make it to the Finals.

That impact trade seemed to happen with the Detroit Red Wings, who gave the Golden Knights forward Tomas Tatar in exchange for a first-round pick in 2018, a second-rounder in 2019, and a third-rounder in 2021. The Red Wings basically got three picks for a 27-year-old forward who still has three years left on his contract.

So far in 62 games this season, he has 16 goals and 12 assists, who is still pretty good even for a lousy team like Detroit.

The Golden Knights made many trades on the day, but the reason why I believe Tatar is the best acquisition for this deadline is not only is he joining a team that is currently best in the West at 86 points but he is also a goal-scorer and a dynamic playmaker. He opens up the ice in a way most players can't, and finds a way to beat goalies. During the time frame from 2013 to 2017, he had 94 goals. Yes, his production did drop this season, but he's also on a rebuilding Detroit team. It looks like a change of venue could help his production.

The impact of Tatar on this team is whether or not he can regain the form he had from that timeframe. If not, the Golden Knights could be in trouble come playoff time, because you need all the players you get in the deadline and now scoring in bunches. Look at the Penguins, the Kings, and the Bruins from years ago. When they score, they score often and in the playoffs, and Tatar's going to have to do that as well. There's only going to be an impact if he gets back to the form he had from 2013-17.

I'm never going to question GM George McPhee's ability to make good trades. I think this is probably the best trade of the deadline and it also means that he's willing to sacrifice the future to try to win a championship now. You have to do that. These fans deserve to have a chance. Hopefully, Tatar is the answer they are looking for to not only finish this season, but make it far in the playoffs.