Bruins and Maple Leafs Could Face Off for Stephenson, the Golden Knights…
An orderly queue is gathering for the services of Chandler Stephenson. The Vegas Golden Knights’ hopes of keeping him at a reduced cost are not looking good in light of this.
If Stephenson becomes available, the Boston Bruins are connected to him, according to Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman. With the retirement of David Krejci and Patrice Bergeron from the NHL, they have been searching for a productive center.
The Bruins, Maple Leafs, and Nashville Predators are among the increasing number of teams that are interested in Stephenson, according to David Pagnotta of Fourth Period. For the previous three seasons, he has averaged 60 points per season.
Stephenson’s agent is anticipated to discuss what Stephenson would require to remain with the Golden Knights with the team shortly.
According to AFP Analytics, Stephenson, 30, may be able to secure a five-year contract on the free market that would pay him $5.6 million a season. He may get closer to $6 million if other bidders place strong offers.
Kelly McCrimmon, the general manager of Vegas, finds all of it troublesome. With 20 players signed, he technically has roughly $900,000 in cap space for the upcoming campaign. But he anticipates receiving an extra $5 million if Robin Lehner is placed on Long-Term Injured Reserve for one more season.
Remember that he has Jonathan Marchessault available as well, who is likely worth $6 million on the open market.
McCrimmon may not be able to sign either of them with his existing cap space. He might consider moving on with a few players.
During the offseason, NHL teams are permitted to have a 10% overage on their cap. They could then work on getting Marchessault and Stephenson fit throughout the summer after signing them.
It is unlikely that the Golden Knights will be able to re-sign Michael Amadio, Alec Martinez, William Carrier, or Anthony Mantha.
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