{"id":487448,"date":"2026-03-05T18:32:20","date_gmt":"2026-03-05T18:32:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/487448\/"},"modified":"2026-03-05T18:32:20","modified_gmt":"2026-03-05T18:32:20","slug":"vegas-with-a-couple-moves","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/487448\/","title":{"rendered":"Vegas With A Couple Moves"},"content":{"rendered":"

More centres are on the move as we approach the 2025-26 NHL Trade Deadline, and Nic Dowd<\/a> is the latest. Dowd was traded by the Washington Capitals<\/a> to the Vegas Golden Knights<\/a> this Thursday morning. In exchange, Washington acquired goaltender Jesper Vikman, a third-round draft pick in 2027, and a second-round draft pick in 2029.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udd04 OFFICIAL: The Golden Knights have acquired forward Nic Dowd from the Washington Capitals in exchange for Jesper Vikman, a 2027 third-round pick, and a 2029 second-round pick. <\/p>\n

More details: https:\/\/t.co\/polugq6uFq<\/a>#VegasBorn<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/gJz0QxoLEo<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) March 5, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0Vegas Acquires Help Down the Middle<\/p>\n

Vegas needed some forward help with the latest injury to Mark Stone<\/a>, which sent him to the injured reserve. With William Karlsson<\/a> and Brett Howden<\/a> also sidelined for Vegas, it was no shock that the team needed a veteran forward. Dowd provides a veteran presence, good faceoff skill, and is a solid penalty-killer. Dowd has an average of 2:40 of short-handed ice time per game, ranking tenth out of all forwards in the NHL this season. The 35-year-old forward recorded four goals and twelve assists for sixteen points this season through 55 games with the Washington Capitals. He is currently in the first year of his two-year contract, worth $3 million per season. With his grittiness and ability to go after pucks, he could prove to be a good depth player. With the recent addition of Cole Smith<\/a> as well, Vegas now has a very strong fourth line.<\/p>\n

Who Is Coming Back For Washington?<\/p>\n

Washington is getting goaltender Jesper Vikman as well as two draft picks from Vegas. Vikman is a 23-year-old goaltender, drafted 125th overall in 2020. In 18 games with the AHL\u2019s Henderson Silver Knights this season, he has an 8-7-3 record, a 3.41 goals-against average, and an .866 save percentage. The other valuable pieces to this deal are the draft picks, a 2027 third-round pick, and a 2029 second-round pick. As Washington finds themselves out of the playoff picture at the moment, selling veterans is a valid direction to go. They will miss a teammate who has been with the Capitals for eight seasons, but the return is good for the aging player.<\/p>\n

Main Photo Eric Bolte-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t