Golden Knights Rumors: 5 Players Not Expected to be Traded From Vegas
The Vegas Golden Knights are out of the Stanley Cup Playoffs much earlier than many expected. With the way management was able to load up thanks to some handy work with the LTIR, the Golden Knights appeared to have enough talent to win another Stanley Cup.
That wasn't the case at all and now GM Kelly McCrimmon goes back to the drawing board to see where he can make some adjustments to his roster. Vegas has just under $1 million in cap space for next season and there's no doubt will be interested in making some trades to free up for financial flexibility.
However, McCrimmon has some players who are untradeable and some he wants to keep in the mix, here's five Golden Knights who aren't going anywhere:
Logan Thompson
Even though injuries have crept into the picture these past two seasons, Thompson is 27, he's in his prime and he's only costing Vegas $766,677 against the cap next season. There's little doubt if the Golden Knights move out one of their goalies, Thompson and his cheap salary stay, and Adin Hill and his $4.9 million cap hit are the cap casualty.
Noah Hanifin
This one was a bit of a layup. Hanifin was just acquired, signed long term and now gets ready to partner up with his best buddy Jack Eichel to try and do something special in Vegas. Hanifin is as locked in as it gets and isn't going anywhere. Even after a disappointing playoff run for the team.
Jack Eichel
Speaking of Eichel, he had a part in trying to get Hanifin to stick around Vegas long term and the two besties now get to live out a dream together. Eichel has two seasons left on his deal at $10 million and is likely going to re-sign and eventually retire in Vegas. We'll see if McCrimmon feels the same way after two more years.
Ivan Barbashev
Even though Barbashev didn't score during the seven-game first-round series, he chipped in with four assists and was a pest, like he's supposed to be. In his two seasons in Vegas, the versatile winger has posted some solid numbers, with 45 points in 82 games this season and 18 points in 22 playoff games a year ago. Barbashev is signed at a $5 million cap hit through the 2027-28 season and holds a modified no-trade clause which protects him from eight teams.
Mark Stone & Tomas Hertl
Six for the price of five, these two aren't going anywhere and make up a significant part of the core. They both need to stay healthy and a full season together could do Vegas wonders. Expect to see some major changes in Vegas, including letting Chandler Stephenson, Jonathan Marchessault and Anthony Mantha hit free agency, however don't expect to see Stone or Hertl moved.
Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
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