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Canadiens acquire David Schlemko from Golden Knights

By Dave Stevenson

Nov 12, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; San Jose Sharks defenseman David Schlemko (5) skates with the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; San Jose Sharks defenseman David Schlemko (5) skates with the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Vegas Golden Knights have traded defenseman David Schlemko to the Montreal Canadiens for a 2019 fifth round pick. 

The Vegas Golden Knights are open for business. With 30 players picked and at most 23 roster spots to fill, the expansion team was expected to wheel and deal for more future assets. The Montreal Canadiens have announced they have acquired former San Jose Sharks defenseman David Schlemko from the Golden Knights for a 2019 fifth round pick.

"A veteran of 360 regular-season NHL games, Schlemko went undrafted before suiting up for the Arizona Coyotes, Dallas Stars, Calgary Flames, New Jersey Devils and the Sharks, amassing 17 goals and 87 points, along with 114 penalty minutes, over the course of his career."

This makes a lot of sense for Montreal. After losing Nathan Beaulieu to the Buffalo Sabres and Alexei Emelin to the Golden Knights, they needed some defensive depth. Even at a $2.1 million cap hit, Schlemko is a quality value option. He can play third pairing minutes and handle second pairing minutes in a pinch. However, Schlemko has never averaged over 20 minutes per game over the course of a full season.

Expect to see more trades like this from Vegas. Especially since they picked 10 left handed defensemen. The Golden Knights are clearly looking to get as many future assets as possible. Considering they’re basically starting a team from scratch, that’s not a terrible idea.

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Schlemko should fit in on the Canadiens third pairing. Perhaps having a more balanced blue line will ease the pressure on Shea Weber and Jeff Petry. Schlemko is under contract through the 2019-20 season. Montreal is paying a slight premium in terms of his cap hit, but he’s one of the better third pairing defensemen around. Plus, the Canadiens had a great need for blue line depth. Getting someone like Schlemko for a fifth round pick is a pretty good eal.

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