As we enter the dog days of summer, it’s time for THN.com’s popular Hot Seat Radar articles. This series examines team members who are under pressure to perform well in their first full season with their new team. Today, we focus on the Vegas Golden Knights, highlighting those in the “hot seat” who face high expectations and those in the “cold seat” who are securely valued by the team.
GOLDEN KNIGHTS’ HOT SEAT: TOMAS HERTL, C, AND NOAH HANIFIN, D
Late last season, the Golden Knights made significant moves by acquiring Tomas Hertl and Noah Hanifin. Hanifin’s new lucrative contract extension, paying him $7.35 million per season, and Hertl’s deal, which carries a $6.75 million cap hit through 2027-28, have increased the stakes for both players. Hertl is now Vegas’ third-highest-paid forward, while Hanifin ranks as the fourth-highest-paid player on the team.
Vegas GM Kelly McCrimmon is known for pushing his team to exceed previous achievements. This competitive atmosphere sometimes leads to surprising trades involving veteran players. Although Hertl and Hanifin are not in immediate danger of being traded, they must prove they are worth the investment McCrimmon has made. If they underperform, it could raise questions about the Golden Knights’ direction.
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GOLDEN KNIGHTS’ COLD SEAT: MARK STONE, RW
Despite his physical style of play causing him to miss significant time in recent years, Mark Stone remains a crucial part of the Golden Knights’ success. With three years remaining on his contract, which has an average annual value of $9.5 million, Stone is locked into Vegas’ plans for the future. As a proven winner and Stanley Cup champion, Stone’s no-movement clause ensures he will stay with the team as long as his contract runs, making him an indispensable staple for the Golden Knights.
Even as the team continues to make roster changes in the upcoming season, Stone’s presence and leadership will remain integral to their success.
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