With six unrestricted free agents hitting the market, including five forwards, and a need to adjust their goaltending situation, the Vegas Golden Knights were always going to struggle to address all areas of need this offseason amidst a tight cap situation. Adding $1 million in cap commitments by replacing Logan Thompson with Ilya Samsonov as backup goalie has only compounded the challenge.
Vegas’ offseason has been somewhat underwhelming. While the goaltending has gained more depth with Samsonov and Akira Schmid, and the blue line remains strong despite losing Alec Martinez to the Chicago Blackhawks, the forward lineup has taken a significant hit. Jonathan Marchessault, Chandler Stephenson, William Carrier, Michael Amadio, and Anthony Mantha have all signed elsewhere, resulting in the loss of 81 goals from last season (88, including Paul Cotter’s departure) with minimal reinforcements coming in.
Despite this talent exodus, it hasn’t significantly improved the cap situation. Vegas is projected to be roughly $1.3 million under the new $88 million cap once goaltender Robin Lehner is moved back to long-term injured reserve, leaving little room to maneuver. However, the Golden Knights still have options.
Golden Knights Offseason Additions
The club has been active recently. In the deal that sent Cotter to the New Jersey Devils, Vegas acquired Alexander Holtz, the seventh-overall pick of the 2020 Draft. Holtz, two years younger than Cotter, recorded nine more goals last season and may even see top-six time flanking Jack Eichel or Tomas Hertl.
Additionally, the Golden Knights signed veteran forward Victor Olofsson from the Buffalo Sabres on a one-year, $1.075 million contract. Like Samsonov and Schmid, Olofsson followed up a career-best 2022-23 campaign with a forgettable 2023-24 season. The franchise is banking on a return to form for the 28-year-old, who scored 28 goals before fading to just seven goals over 51 games this past season.
While it may be hard for Vegas fans to get excited about Holtz and Olofsson amidst significant departures, the team’s front office has added two potentially impactful wingers for less than $2 million combined this season. They also signed Callahan Burke, an American Hockey League standout, to provide organizational depth.
Golden Knights’ Internal Options
Promoting from within is the most cost-effective way to fill lineup holes. Several forward prospects, including Jonas Rondbjerg, Brendan Brisson, Mason Morelli, Sheldon Rempal, and Grigori Denisenko, were given NHL opportunities last season. While Rempal has since departed for the Kontinental Hockey League, the others should get another long look this season.
The group of call-ups produced mixed results last season. Brisson showed promising flashes in his first taste of NHL action, and Morelli made the most of his league debut with three goals in nine games. However, Rondbjerg underwhelmed over a 20-game sample, and Denisenko failed to make an impression during a six-game stint. None of the four appear ready for a full-time NHL role.
That said, there are internal solutions. Pavel Dorofeyev signed a two-year, $3.67 million bridge deal after scoring 13 goals and 24 points in 47 games last season. The 23-year-old looks like a possible top-six mainstay.
Golden Knights’ External Options
The free-agent market has become a barren wasteland, with nearly every key, notable name already signed. However, the club likely isn’t looking for a key name anyway. Assuming they begin the season with a top-six consisting of Eichel, Hertl, Mark Stone, William Karlsson, Ivan Barbashev, and possibly Dorofeyev or Holtz, the need is for depth upfront more than front-line scoring.
If Vegas seeks bottom-six depth, there are options. Former Golden Knight Nick Cousins is still available and could provide the grit and physicality he offered the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers last season. Kailer Yamamoto struggled with the Seattle Kraken last season but showed productivity when surrounded by a strong supporting cast with the Edmonton Oilers. Former San Jose Sharks players Kevin Labanc and Alexander Barabanov also remain available and fit the trend of players seeking to bounce back after down seasons.
Cap space is at a premium, even after the upfront losses, leaving room for just one low-salaried forward. Of course, trades are always possible. While losing Martinez cuts into the blue line depth, defensemen Ben Hutton, Kaedan Korczak, and reclamation project signee Robert Hagg could make someone higher up in the lineup expendable. Shea Theodore trade rumors circulated in the spring, although a significant shake-up this late in the offseason seems unlikely.
Leave a Reply