Nikita Gusev wanted to go somewhere he could play a lot. In New Jersey, he gets that chance and then some. New Jersey acquires their top-six winger in exchange for a 2020 third-round and a 2021 second-round pick. This helps Vegas and their cap situation as well while they stockpile some picks previously lost.
What the Nikita Gusev trade means for Vegas
Simply, it means two more draft picks to help the prospect pool. Some debate about whether Gusev is another Vadim Shipachyov. On the other hand, Gusev comes off an MVP season in the KHL and Shipachov was 30 (Gusev is 27).