The Vegas Golden Knights should pass on J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson

You’re probably thinking why I’m publishing this headline. But the Golden Knights don’t need J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson. Here’s why.

Which player would be better: J.T. Miller or Elias Pettersson

Strangely enough, the Vancouver Canucks already have another Elias Pettersson waiting in the system.

Granted, he’s a 20-year-old defenseman who plays for the Abbotsford Canucks. But Vancouver has a monopoly on players with that name. They should probably look into acquiring both Sebastian Aho players while they’re at it.

Still, if it came down to Pettersson (the forward) or J.T. Miller, the Vegas Golden Knights should acquire the Swedish center. Sure, that cap hit of $11.6 million looks daunting. However, Kelly McCrimmon prefers younger long-term pieces over older players.

That’s what happened with Hertl and Noah Hanifin, who received an eight-year, $58.8 million contract extension a month after acquiring him from the Calgary Flames. Given Pettersson’s age and upside, he’ll provide a daunting one-two punch up the middle with Eichel. Miller would be around until 2030, while Pettersson would be in Vegas until 2032, making it even more of a no-brainer. Now that would be a great New Year’s resolution to pick up.