Post by Vegas Golden Knights GM on Jul 3, 2023 12:41:19 GMT -5
The Vegas Golden Knights were disappointed in missing the playoffs last season despite having a veteran team and are expected to make some major changes this offseason. Several original and long-time Knights will not return next season.
Some high profile unrestricted free agents that won't be offered an extension include Corey Perry, Marco Scandella, Conor Sheary, and Tomas Nosek. "These were some big pieces for us for a number of years," said the Vegas GM, "We wish them nothing but the best with their new teams."
Several other players will be taking on bigger roles next season that allows the team to let some free agents walk. Brandon Hagel has emerged as a legitimate top 6 winger. The team will be looking at giving him a long term extension. Wyatt Johnston is a rookie center that fills a major hole that the Knights have been unable to fill. Along with Andreas Athanasiou and Lars Eller, the team finally looks to be set down the middle for the foreseeable future.
On defense, 23 year old Calen Addison is expected to jump into the top 4.
Goaltending will be the biggest story to watch this offseason. The team has Semyon Varlamov and Alex Nedeljkovic under contract. Anthony Stolarz is a restricted free agent who proved last season in Atlantic City he deserves a job in the pros. "All three of these guys can be a starter in this league. We owe it to them to move one of them where they have an opportunity to play."
The team has had initial discussions with a number of teams for both Varlamov and Stolarz.
Some high profile unrestricted free agents that won't be offered an extension include Corey Perry, Marco Scandella, Conor Sheary, and Tomas Nosek. "These were some big pieces for us for a number of years," said the Vegas GM, "We wish them nothing but the best with their new teams."
Several other players will be taking on bigger roles next season that allows the team to let some free agents walk. Brandon Hagel has emerged as a legitimate top 6 winger. The team will be looking at giving him a long term extension. Wyatt Johnston is a rookie center that fills a major hole that the Knights have been unable to fill. Along with Andreas Athanasiou and Lars Eller, the team finally looks to be set down the middle for the foreseeable future.
On defense, 23 year old Calen Addison is expected to jump into the top 4.
Goaltending will be the biggest story to watch this offseason. The team has Semyon Varlamov and Alex Nedeljkovic under contract. Anthony Stolarz is a restricted free agent who proved last season in Atlantic City he deserves a job in the pros. "All three of these guys can be a starter in this league. We owe it to them to move one of them where they have an opportunity to play."
The team has had initial discussions with a number of teams for both Varlamov and Stolarz.