from Jesse Granger of The Athletic,

McCrimmon is well aware of the polarizing reputation he and his organization have acquired.

“Contrary to popular belief, we don’t go after every good player,” he said. “We go after good players we like, good players we identify, and opportunities we identify.”

McCrimmon, Vegas president of hockey operations George McPhee and their pro scouting staff sure seem to like a lot of players.

Mark Stone, Jack Eichel, Max Pacioretty, Ivan Barbashev, Alec Martinez and Chandler Stephenson were all traded for in the last six years. Now, add Hanifin and Hertl to the list.

A lot of front-office executives probably like those players, and with good reason. The difference is that McCrimmon and his staff find a way to get the players they want on their team at an incredible rate — one that is seemingly much higher than other GMs around the NHL.

Why?

“It’s hard to say,” McCrimmon replied. “You have conversations with people and it depends on your approach. We pay. I think that’s part of it. We have made some good deals for other teams as well.”

The Golden Knights haven’t been afraid to send high-end draft picks and prospects out in order to acquire players they believe in, players in the prime of their careers.

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