Despite being in the midst of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the business of managing player contracts is a pressing concern for the Vegas Golden Knights. Like other deep-running playoff teams, they must address their impending unrestricted and restricted free agents, as well as players eligible for contract extensions, with the July 1st deadline looming.
According to PuckPedia.com, the Golden Knights are projected to have approximately $4.625 million in salary cap space for the upcoming season. This figure increases by an additional $8.8 million if defenseman Alex Pietrangelo is placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) at the start of the season, bringing their potential cap flexibility to around $13 million. This sum must cover extensions for key players such as Pavel Dorofeyev and Rasmus Andersson, among other notable free agents.
General Manager Kelly McCrimmon faces a demanding offseason. However, Vegas has a history of making bold moves and shedding contracts that could impede their pursuit of improvement.
During a recent appearance on TFP Hotstove, Vegas Golden Knights insider Gary Lawless was asked about Pavel Dorofeyev’s upcoming contract. Lawless remained somewhat guarded, but indicated that Dorofeyev is keen on a long-term commitment with the team.
“I know we’re all focused on the Western Conference final now, but crystal ball this for me if you can. Pavel Dorofeyev on his next AAV is?” asked Dave Pagnotta.
Lawless responded, “You have to talk to him and Kelly McCrimmon and his agent. He is a good player, he’s proven himself in the playoffs, and he’s important to the organization. I’m sure they’ll figure it out.
The other part of it is that Dorofeyev probably wants to play in Vegas for as long as he can. He’s got an opportunity to play with very good centerman in Vegas, and right now he’s playing with one of the very best, and it’s had a very positive impact on his game. Ask Jonathan Marchessault what it’s like when you get away from Jack Eichel.”
The discussion then turned to goaltender Adin Hill. “Adin Hill. Sorry, Adin, sorry, you need to find that money somewhere,” noted Dennis Bernstein. Ryan Paton added, “$1.835 million, that’s what he’s at right now.”
Following Lawless’s departure, Ryan Paton, Dave Pagnotta, and Dennis Bernstein debated how the Golden Knights might accommodate Dorofeyev’s contract demands.
“37 goals in the regular season this year. 35 goals last season. Playing a full 82 in each year. Third round pick, 79th overall in 2019,” Pagnotta highlighted Dorofeyev’s offensive production.
Bernstein questioned, “Nine goals in the playoffs. 46 goals in total. That’s a $10 million player, right?”
“Show Me the Money, right?” responded Paton.
Pagnotta continued, “They’re gonna have to figure it out. DB, you kind of hinted it a tad. Adin Hill, 10-team, no-trade list, $6.25 million cap hit.”
Bernstein raised concerns about the available cap space: “They’re not, the space, and if they’re going to sign Rasmus Andersson, what happens there?”
Pagnotta clarified the cap situation: “They have $4.625 million in cap space next season. Well, sorry, technically, yes, but then also you add an additional $8.8 million because of Alex Pietrangelo. So the $8.8 million basically, you’ve got to imagine that’s Dorofeyev?”
“Correct. Yeah, exactly,” Bernstein confirmed.
Pagnotta further elaborated on the challenges: “Or in an in and around that. So they’ve got about $4 million in cap space. I don’t think Rasmus Andersson’s getting $4 million bucks. They also have to; they need a fourth line, can’t play with just three lines. Reilly Smith, Brandon Saad, Colton Sissons, Cole Smith, all UFAs.”
The Golden Knights’ capologists will be working diligently to create the necessary salary cap flexibility to retain their desired players. This list also includes players like Mark Stone, William Karlsson, and Nic Dowd, who are eligible for contract extensions. It’s possible Adin Hill may not be the only player traded this summer. Vegas could potentially explore moving Tomas Hertl’s $6.75 million contract to free up additional cap space.
Even with their focus on capturing the Stanley Cup, the Vegas Golden Knights are strategically planning for the future to ensure they can re-sign Pavel Dorofeyev, Rasmus Andersson, and other players requiring new contracts. Given the assets the Golden Knights surrendered to acquire Andersson, securing his return is a priority.
However, bringing the entire roster back will undoubtedly be a difficult task, and the organization has proven it is not averse to making tough decisions to achieve its goals.
