Golden Knights make big trade, might still be looking for more

The Golden Knights also might not be done adding.

The defending champion Golden Knights have been in the market for forward help for most of the season, and have an even bigger need with captain Mark Stone sidelined for the remainder of the regular season. 

Mantha was one of the top forwards on the trade market ahead of Friday's deadline and helps fill a big void in their lineup. 

Not only does he bring an imposing frame and physical presence to the lineup, he has also rediscovered his goal-scoring touch this season with 20 goals in 56 games.

As big of a move as Mantha is, one of the most important aspects of it is the Capitals are retaining 50% of his remaining salary. That means Vegas will still have more than $3M in salary cap space to play with ahead of Friday's trade deadline. 

That flexibility almost certainly means they have positioned themselves for another move to potentially add yet another forward.

Pittsburgh's Jake Guentzel, Anaheim's Frank Vatrano and St. Louis' Pavel Buchnevich would all be potential fits and could help the Golden Knights make another Stanley Cup run.

The Golden Knights were able to create all of this salary cap flexibility by placing Stone on the long-term injured list, giving them additional cap space for the remainder of the regular season. 

It is expected that he will return for the start of the Stanley Cup playoffs and make their roster even stronger.