Even amidst the intensity of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, business operations continue, presenting teams like the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers with critical decisions regarding their pending free agents before July 1st. The Vegas Golden Knights are facing a similar predicament, needing to address not only their unrestricted free agents but also their restricted free agents and players eligible for contract extensions.
According to PuckPedia.com, the Golden Knights are projected to have approximately $4,625,000 in salary cap space for the upcoming season. This figure does not account for Alex Pietrangelo, whose return from long-term injured reserve will free up an additional $8.8 million, bringing their potential cap flexibility to around $13 million. This sum needs to cover extensions for players such as Pavel Dorofeyev and Rasmus Andersson, not to mention other notable free agents.
General Manager Kelly McCrimmon has a demanding offseason ahead. However, Vegas has a history of making decisive moves and shedding contracts deemed detrimental to the team’s improvement.
During a segment on TFP Hotstove, Gary Lawless, an insider for the Vegas Golden Knights and a radio color commentator, discussed Pavel Dorofeyev’s potential next contract. Lawless remained guarded but indicated that Dorofeyev is keen on a long-term commitment with the team.
Dave Pagnotta inquired about Dorofeyev’s future average annual value (AAV), prompting Lawless to emphasize the importance of discussions between the player, McCrimmon, and Dorofeyev’s agent. Lawless highlighted Dorofeyev’s proven playoff performance and his value to the organization. He also suggested that Dorofeyev likely wishes to remain in Vegas due to the opportunity to play with elite centermen, noting the positive impact it has had on his game, drawing a parallel to Jonathan Marchessault’s experience alongside Jack Eichel.
Dennis Bernstein pointed out the need to secure funding for Adin Hill, whose current contract is valued at $1.835 million.
Following Lawless’s departure, Ryan Paton, Dave Pagnotta, and Dennis Bernstein debated potential strategies for re-signing Dorofeyev. Pagnotta referenced Dorofeyev’s consistent goal-scoring record in recent seasons, his draft position, and his significant playoff contributions, questioning if his value could be considered that of a “$10 million player.”
Bernstein raised the question of how the team would manage the cap space, especially if they intend to re-sign Rasmus Andersson. Pagnotta reiterated the team’s projected cap space, including the potential addition from Pietrangelo’s LTIR, suggesting that a substantial portion of this might be allocated to Dorofeyev.
Pagnotta also pointed out that the remaining cap space might not be sufficient for Rasmus Andersson’s potential contract. Furthermore, the team needs to address their fourth line, with several players like Reilly Smith, Brandon Saad, Colton Sissons, and Cole Smith being unrestricted free agents.
The Golden Knights’ cap management team will be working extensively to create the necessary cap space to retain their players. Additionally, players such as Mark Stone, William Karlsson, and Nic Dowd are eligible for contract extensions. Adin Hill might not be the only player traded this summer; the team could potentially explore trading Tomas Hertl, whose cap hit is $6.75 million, to generate more flexibility.
Despite their focus on the ultimate goal, the Vegas Golden Knights are actively planning for the future, aiming to secure contracts for Pavel Dorofeyev, Rasmus Andersson, and other essential players. Given the assets the team sacrificed to acquire Andersson, retaining him is a priority.
However, re-signing all key players will be a significant challenge, and the Golden Knights are known for their willingness to make difficult decisions to achieve their objectives.
English Translation:
Even as teams remain in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, business operations continue. Teams like the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers face the task of addressing their pending free agents days before July 1st. A similar situation is developing for the Vegas Golden Knights, who must consider not only their unrestricted free agents but also their restricted free agents and players eligible for contract extensions.
According to PuckPedia.com, the Golden Knights will have $4,625,000 in salary cap space next season. This is before Alex Pietrangelo returns from long-term injured reserve (LTIR), which will add another $8.8 million. This provides roughly $13 million to extend players like Pavel Dorofeyev and Rasmus Andersson, not to mention other notable free agents.
General Manager Kelly McCrimmon has a considerable task ahead of him this offseason. However, as history has shown, Vegas is not hesitant to make moves and part with contracts they believe will hinder their progress.
Gary Lawless, a Vegas Golden Knights insider and radio color commentator, joined TFP Hotstove and was asked about Pavel Dorofeyev’s next contract. Lawless was non-committal but revealed that Dorofeyev desires to remain with the team long-term.
Dave Pagnotta asked for a crystal ball prediction on Pavel Dorofeyev’s next average annual value (AAV). Gary Lawless responded that discussions with Dorofeyev and his agent, as well as Kelly McCrimmon, are necessary. He acknowledged Dorofeyev as a good player who has proven himself in the playoffs and is important to the organization, expressing confidence that a resolution will be found.
Lawless added that Dorofeyev likely wants to play in Vegas for as long as possible, given the opportunity to play with elite centermen. He highlighted the positive impact this has had on Dorofeyev’s game, likening it to Jonathan Marchessault’s experience playing with Jack Eichel.
Dennis Bernstein interjected, emphasizing the need to find the money for Adin Hill, whose current contract is $1.835 million.
After Lawless departed, Ryan Paton, Dave Pagnotta, and Dennis Bernstein discussed how the Vegas Golden Knights might afford to pay Dorofeyev. Pagnotta noted Dorofeyev’s impressive goal-scoring record in the regular season for the past two years, playing a full 82 games each season, and his draft position.
Dennis Bernstein pointed out his playoff goal count and total goals, questioning if he could be considered a “$10 million player.”
Pagnotta stated that the team will have to figure it out. He then brought up Adin Hill’s situation, mentioning a potential 10-team no-trade list and a $6.25 million cap hit.
Bernstein questioned how the team would manage the cap space, especially if they intend to sign Rasmus Andersson. Pagnotta clarified the team’s projected cap space for next season, including the additional $8.8 million from Alex Pietrangelo’s LTIR, suggesting that this $8.8 million might be earmarked for Dorofeyev.
Bernstein agreed. Pagnotta further noted that this leaves approximately $4 million in cap space, which he believes is insufficient for Rasmus Andersson. He also stressed the team’s need for a fourth line, as they cannot operate with only three lines, and listed several UFAs on that unit, including Reilly Smith, Brandon Saad, Colton Sissons, and Cole Smith.
The capologists for the Vegas Golden Knights will be working overtime to free up the necessary cap space to sign everyone. This does not even include players like Mark Stone, William Karlsson, and Nic Dowd, who are eligible for extensions. Adin Hill might not be the only player traded this summer; Vegas could potentially move Tomas Hertl, clearing another $6.75 million in cap space.
Even with their sights set on the ultimate prize, the Vegas Golden Knights are planning ahead to make it work for Pavel Dorofeyev, Rasmus Andersson, and the other players requiring new contracts. Given what Vegas gave up to acquire Andersson, re-signing him is essential.
However, bringing everyone back will not be easy, and it is well-known that Vegas is not afraid to make tough decisions.
