Golden Knights emerge as frontrunner for UFA Paul Stastny

Winnipeg Jets center Paul Stastny (25) is congratulated after scoring a goal against the Winnipeg Jets during the second period in Game 1 of an NHL hockey second-round playoff series Friday, April 27, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (Mark Humphrey/AP)

It looks like Paul Stastny could be headed to Vegas as the Golden Knights have emerged as the frontrunner to sign the UFA forward, Sportsnet has confirmed.

Stastny, 32, is coming off a strong post-season with the Winnipeg Jets (six goals, 15 points in 17 playoff games) after joining the club at the NHL Trade Deadline. Despite mutual interest from both parties to re-sign the forward, Winnipeg’s tight cap situation has made it difficult for GM Kevin Cheveldayoff to balance the books.

The Golden Knights were the team that ended Stastny’s run with Winnipeg, eliminating the Jets from the playoffs in the Western Conference Final.

Stastny has registered a total of 220 goals and 646 points in 824 career regular season NHL games, the bulk of which were spent with the Colorado Avalanche and St. Louis Blues.

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