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Max Pacioretty is a Knight, but will he help Vegas become kings?

By Elizabeth Lovato

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 19: Max Pacioretty #67 of the Montreal Canadiens celebrates after scoring a second period goal against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on January 19, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/NHLI via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 19: Max Pacioretty #67 of the Montreal Canadiens celebrates after scoring a second period goal against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on January 19, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Max Pacioretty has been traded to Vegas, but what does it mean for the Golden Knights in their quest to make it back to the Stanley Cup Final?

After a surprising inaugural season and an even more surprising run to the Stanley Cup Final, the Vegas Golden Knights were looking to upgrade their roster (I know, right?). They signed Paul Statsny this offseason, and this week traded for Montreal captain Max Pacioretty, which puts the Golden Knights in a pretty good position.

Vegas is gaining a five-time 30 goal scorer and a good leader. Even though he had a rough season last year only scoring 17 goals, the Golden Knights hope he can replicate his past success. Winning the Stanley cup becomes the goal and expectation in Vegas, and senses have been heightened by the big signings and blockbuster moves.

Trading for Pacioretty is a giant step towards achieving the unfulfilled promise of winning a Cup.  Such a thing is important because they need to find a way to replace James Neal and David Perron. Pacioretty is a really good addition to the team; his style fits the game plan, he’s a veteran presence and still has just enough youth on his side to be a long-term factor.

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Other teams got better this offseason and now there’s been a target painted on the Knights after their miraculous run last season. Now they have to try and avoid the dreaded sophomore slump.  Vegas hit the Jackpot acquiring Pacioretty, now they need to focus on winning the ultimate prize.

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