What Cap Gymnastics Can the Golden Knights Pull off This Summer?

They lost in the first round and now have a huge cap crunch to deal with once again.
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[@hassam363]

The cap gymnastics get harder each year.

[@johnmckay9656]

I agree that Hertl seems out of place, maybe a new rule - a no "Tomas" on the team. But I think they do a lot of their building at trade deadline and then rid themselves of contracts during the off season to resign current players for the future for the future. I read an article about this, it is a unique approach that has been pretty successful so far. Theodore, Stephenson, Carrier all gone. Amadio, Marshy, Dorofiev all resign. Martinez 1 year cheap deal.

[@mr.brenman2132]

At least they have won a championship unlike any team from Canada for 30 years.

[@MH-fm8fd]

That video title is diabolical

[@SalaciousBCrumb-md3lk]

VERY passive-aggressive!! 😂😂😂

[@DarkLobster69]

@@SalaciousBCrumb-md3lkhonestly not really. He’s not even using it with a negative connotation, they literally do have major cap restructuring to figure out if they want to keep any of the very large pieces they are set to lose this offseason.

[@geradhoyt]

With the extension for Hanifin and Theodore entering the final year of his deal, I wouldn't be surprised to see him moved, unfortunately.

[@Twevin]

i wouldnt be too sad to see theodore leave ngl, he just sits there half the time anyways

[@Mitch-ui8ps]

Damn that’ll be a mistake, I’d take Theodore 10 times out of 10 over hanifin

[@GWh135]

@@Mitch-ui8ps Theodore makes a lot of mistakes

[@Mitch-ui8ps]

@@GWh135 better than hanifin

[@SoloSpartan1906]

DUMP Theodore - the number of times ive watched this guy just WATCH a guy skate a puck down and choose his shoot is obscene. OVER IT - KICK ROCKS

[@djentleman7]

I feel bad for Stone. People think he fakes injury but you could see when he took a cross check in the back in game 7, perhaps near his spleen, the rest of the game he couldn't even bend over. He was skating around upright the entire time in pain.

[@oldsrocketscientist]

I've hated to see the booing from the Dallas fan base. Its my team, and Stone is my captain, and I'm sure I am biased, but the way i see it, ANYBODY WITH HALF A BRAIN who actually watched the series, and didn't just jump on the LTIR hate bandwagon can see Stone was NOT healthy enough to come back. The mere fact that he did come back to help the team through the series is why he wears a C on his sweater. He could have stayed on the bench and healed, but he took the hits and did his best to help the team. He is supposed to be out the entire 24 25 season now because of it. I spend ALOT of money and time in Texas and in Dallas and have always had a favorable opinion about TX as a whole, but after the BS from last season, and now this season, I'm not sure i want to give any more of my money to Tx in any shape or form. I may go out of my way and just go through Kansas instead. Not that anyone from the Dallas fan base would care, but I've had enough of the poor sportsmanship from there fan base, and Id rather suffer the MUNDANE travel through one of the most God awful states in the union than to spend another penny in TX.

[@djentleman7]

​@@oldsrocketscientist I mean it's not just Dallas fans, it's fans of any other team as well that hopped on that bandwagon. As funny as it was to joke about Vegas doing it a gew years in a row, it was obvious Stone was clearly injured. As far as Texas goes, Texas can fuck off for the most part in general in my opinion. A lot of hatred I feel like comes out of that state.

[@liljoe31]

Is Dallas really considered Texas though? Kind of like the Portland of Texas imo

[@pato655]

Great analysis. As a Vegas fan and resident it is going to be a very interesting offseason. I certainly expect them to be competitive next year but it is going to be a very different team. I don't put anything past VGK management when it comes to roster moves.

[@RobdaVegasMailman]

1:10 Quick gave up just seven goals in that series and had a .943 save percentage...and still got swept! In contrast, Marc Andre Fleury gave up just three goals, had 2 shutouts and a .973 save percentage.

[@carterpochynok4874]

Just goes to show how a hot goalie can go to waste on a cold team...

[@starkiller34]

Stone looks done to me. I have back issues and.... I think next time he goes on the LTIR will be the last, he's not coming back. I would do everything in my power to jettison that contract. And Marchesseault accepting under 8 seems laughable to me seeing some of the money that's been handed out these last few years.

[@BandW1897]

Stone maybe could skip next season. And true, next LTIR could be hes last. Better not risk health too much.

[@coryray8804]

Sorry he will stay players love Las Vegas hard to give up even for more $ dollars .

[@fatshibaballs]

cant feel bad when you cheat for a cup.

[@starkiller34]

@@coryray8804 there has been 0 talk of him LEAVING. I suggest getting rid of him because he will undoubtedly end up on the LTIR, to avoid a Carey Price situation. Because guess what? He still gets paid all his money on the LTIR...the only way that doesnt happen is if he retires, which we agree he wont do.

[@scottm4556]

Stone has a no move clause as well...

[@ReganHuang]

Old players with a history of injury who could potentially miss games with a mid season injury? Say no more! -Kelly

[@vega702]

Petro has a full NMC. I doubt that he waives it to be moved. I think the more likely trade candidate is Theodore. Signing Hanifin pretty much signaled Theo's exit imo. Shea's play against Dallas didn't help his cause either. He was on a definite upward trajectory at one point, but he seems to have plateaued. Vegas simply can't afford to have Hertl be Tatar 2.0. The hope has to be with a long off-season of recovery and full training camp with the team that he slots in and gels with the team. Nick Suzuki, that one hurts bad. Especially after losing to the Habs in the semifinal. In retrospect, management should've shipped out Cody Glass instead of Suzuki, but they were so enamored with Glass at the time. Then they fell out of love with him anyway and jettisoned him to Nashville. Our front office is good, but not perfect. That said, they have some hard decisions to make this off-season and they'll need to be better than good...

[@jayscott1380]

I don't think it signals Theo is getting traded. I think it signals that Martinez is either retiring or otherwise walks as a UFA.

[@vega702]

@@jayscott1380 that was happening regardless. Something is gonna have to give if they plan to re-sign Marchy. Theodore seems the most expendable at this point imo

[@mustangdan81]

@@vega702absolutely agree. I also think Theodore won’t be the same skater after that injury.

[@mercywilliams2698]

Thank you for this coverage…hard to discern from local podcast on Knights here…who do an excellent job but still hard to get a more objective perspective.. And knowing you like your visiting times on The Strip. 🌵

[@SeanZetterlund]

Even if the cap issues in the medium-long term will probably lead to an eventual rebuild situation, they still won the Cup, so at least there will not be any "what ifs" from fans and the organization.

[@liljoe31]

Yeah but i wanted them to run it back if nothing else to quiet the "vegas are cheaters" morons

[@tonylabianca7946]

Great show as usual. Thanks

[@TheFusionmix]

I think Hertl will bounce back next year, he looked like his conditioning hadn't come up to speed yet.

[@vega702]

​​@@mannyoliveira776 I seriously doubt that they re-sign Mantha. You make a deadline trade for the guy and he initially starts for you in the playoffs but then he's so ineffective that he gets healthy scratched for the rest of the playoffs? Nah, that's not a guy you re-sign imo.

[@TheFusionmix]

@@mannyoliveira776 whether they put the money in Marchessault or in younger guys feels pretty pivotal. Keeping him would feel out of character for sure.

[@TheLilLeeroy]

That's what Hertl has looked like for years at this point though. He's just an extremely slow player now.

[@dozercat]

The fact is this: "Vegas Golden Knights" is engraved on the Stanley Cup. That alone is worth it. Go Knights Go!

[@liljoe31]

"Knights! Squires!....prepare for battle" *que O Fortuna*

[@neutralsportsfan17]

The Pietrangelo contract seems like the obvious one to move, but he has a full no-move clause that I highly doubt he's gonna waive. Every single player with a cap hit of more than 3M has some sort of trade protection. That goes counter to the way this organization operates. Signing guys and figuring out the cap later can only work if you have contracts you can easily move.

[@joeydrummer7929]

4 conference finals appearances , 2 finals appearances, and a Stanley cup in 7 seasons . Inching towards a decade of competitive , successful, fun, winning hockey. This team has given the fans everything a fanbase could possibly ask for. Great for the community and provided us with such a blast of a 7 seasons of hockey and last year brought a championship to our city and provided us with the most enjoyable, fun, exciting season of professional sports I’ve ever seen in my life and one I’ll never forget as long as I live. They start to struggle going forward? Fine. Not a problem for me. They’ve earned my loyalty forever and gave this city a hell of a good 7 seasons. Go Knights Go for life! (I also think they’re gonna stay pretty competitive for a little longer). Hertl and Hanifin were both replacements for guys that are gonna be leaving . Marty because hes almost certainly retiring and Stephenson because while he’s had moments of being extremely good is super up and down and when he’s not playing with Stone isn’t anywhere as good . Hertl is missing some of the things Stephenson brought to the table (defensive play and speed) but also adds some things Stephenson didn’t (way better at winning faceoffs and better scorer and better net front presence). So I think he should be a good enough replacement for him. And Hanifin is OUTSTANDING. Absolutely love that pickup. He also adds things and is missing things in comparison to Marty. No one can come close to the shot blocker Marty is which is why he’s lead the league in shot blocking multiple times, but Hanifin is a much better offensive defensemen and better at breakouts and being a puck moving defensemen . So both are good replacements . Mantha was a rental for playoffs and he didn’t fill what we needed him to like Barby did last year. He’ll be gone. So there’s definitely a path for getting things done this offseason for Vegas . The cap is also going up which will help. I’m not too worried and think they’ll stay competitive . But again. If not? Ok🤷🏻‍♂️. They’ve done plenty for the fans .

[@AAbram-yt9de]

Love or hate them you have to respect the ownership for going for it each year. Can’t say the same for lots of teams.

[@joeydrummer7929]

@@AAbram-yt9de yea exactly . People love to hate on our team but it usually comes from a place of jealousy that their team doesn’t do everything in their power to always ice the best team possible like Vegas GM/front office does. They won’t generally admit that but it’s definitely the case. Any fanbase would be absolutely over the moon if they had the aggressive front office Vegas has and had the success Vegas had in the last 7 years. We’ve definitely been spoiled as fans. Which is why they forever have my loyalty. Absolutely love this team.

[@Clue96]

@@joeydrummer7929I mean, that’s all well and good now, and I would ride the hell out of this high. This is not sustainable however and if Vegas keeps trading away prospects and picks, rough times are coming. Enjoy it while it lasts! Yall have more cups than my team does so this isn’t hate, it’s just a heads up to really really enjoy this shit now. I’ve been a fan of my team for 30 years- they’ve been to game seven of the finals twice and have lost. I’m happy for Vegas fans that they’ve at least gotten to know what that feels like- to have their favorite team win a cup.

[@cynthiacairns9209]

If our Lehner-ectomy is successful, we should be a little healthier next season.

[@Babyfaceassassin17]

I ruptured my spleen reading the title of this video

[@peterroberts4415]

LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL

[@GizmoBeach]

Too soon?

[@Chris-MusicTheoryAndFretboard]

But all you got were some KZbin likes and no Cup. Worth it?

[@jfayiii]

@@Chris-MusicTheoryAndFretboard it's horrible until your team does it - then it's quiet quiety quiet

[@Steve_Hunts96]

L

[@waterboy6690]

The Hertl trade wasnt supposed to look good for SJ until a couple years from now when Hertl's game slows down and we see what happens with Edstrom plus the 1st next year. I think its fair to say Vegas would like an undo on that one

[@DanRaidersWarriorsSharksGiants]

6.7 mill of cap space from vegas to the sharks looked good the moment the trade was over though.

[@Steve_Hunts96]

FAR too early to say Vegas wants to undo that trade. He only played a few games before the playoffs, on a totally different team, and thus had little line chemistry going against the 1 seed in the west… expecting him to perform well in those conditions is pure insanity, just like Buffalo fans were insane to try and claim they won the Jack Eichel trade after the 2022 season ended… Hertl will be just fine in Vegas, and I expect him to have a major comeback season with this group, barring any further health setbacks.

[@adamschutt3480]

He’s played 10 games for Vegas lol

[@DanRaidersWarriorsSharksGiants]

@@adamschutt3480 It was the knights needed him badly vs Dall to come through.

[@jeffreym.8957]

It's been 10 games. Holy overreaction.

[@matthewpalafox9268]

No matter what happens from here, the Golden Knights won a cup in this window. No one can take that away from them. I think because of that, I feel like Vegas fans should be able to stomach some mediocrity for the next few seasons if they can’t escape their contract situation, and try to jettison some money for later. I know they won’t do that, but I think it’d be for the best to let guys go and just ride out the next couple seasons until they have more cap space. The only problem is that they don’t have draft picks…so, if they did, there wouldn’t be anyone coming up that could lead a new core of Golden Knights for a while…

[@BryanVGK23]

This is a great point that I think many are missing. Went all in and it paid off. Is it going to suck falling off potentially? Of course but bottom line is the cup was achieved. Did something that many teams haven’t been able in many years or ever.

[@DanRaidersWarriorsSharksGiants]

Just do not live in the past the sharks beat the wings this season and 2 wings fans played the how many cup wins do you have card to me. They have not made the playoffs in 8 years now and they talk like that. It is sad.

[@Mr.Quinlan888]

​@@DanRaidersWarriorsSharksGiants - Well, the last time my Raiders won the Superbowl I was 5. Nothing but pain and misery most of those 40+ years. So I can handle a little bit of drop off with the Knights.

[@DanRaidersWarriorsSharksGiants]

@@Mr.Quinlan888 So you have only been an NHL fan for a few years or you just never had a favorite team? Any fan of a team that instantly plays the how many championships does your team have card after losing a game is pathetic. All I said was the sharks beat the wings and both their egos couldn't handle it. I certainly did not call the sharks good to them or anything.

[@Mr.Quinlan888]

@@DanRaidersWarriorsSharksGiants - My uncle was a physical therapist for the Lakers and Kings, so I went to a lot of Kings games growing up in the 80's and 90's. They weren't my favorite team, I just enjoy the sport. I even went to quite a few Shark games in the mid-90's when I was going to school in the Bay Area.

[@thomaslatimer571]

Thank you Shannon.

[@loC2ol]

Kelly is a pure gymnastics genius

[@leerotten]

Not a Vegas fan but speaking of Mark Stone I know myself how backpains can really kill you. With my background of these ailments I think Stone should be cheered for even showing up the ice. I had to end my way less physical career in my mid thirties mostly. The pain of just moving around is pure pain and it can shoot out to your limbs. My real thinking is, is Mark Stone able to come back? Maybe some wizard who resurrected Eichel might go and give it a try but I think it has already been discussed.

[@RobdaVegasMailman]

I think that Stone is going to have some major back issues as he gets older. The Dallas series showed that he was clearly hurting more than was let on. I wouldn't blame him if he walked away while he still could.

[@leerotten]

@@RobdaVegasMailman I was him and I know what I know of these ails- Get it fixed best you get and never look back. So. LTIR BS aside. The dude was a total warrior. In my eyes he has nothing to prove having the cup ring anyway but yeah... I do sports too although less a level than before since the adrenalinie is a hook. I get that too.

[@leerotten]

I also want to add to this piece of topic: NHLers are insane. Just like Shannon has said. "Broken sternum"? Who the heck even walks around with that unless you are on high opiates? :P

[@leerotten]

@@RobdaVegasMailman Me either. Have a healthy happy life knowing you won the thoughest series in the world. I would not look back. But, The C on him is also an obligation. Who knows? I measure of reason, just retire. For yourself. Enjoy.

[@leerotten]

I feel C os still his desicion nut yep. I feel you. I Think point of me writing this post was just how the hell this guy played so broken? I Could have done the same back at the age but... Crap. Players around me would be lightning fast and every hit like a death blow. Absolutely great C and though as nails. Vegas need to find a replacement unless they so for some obvious (originals).

[@aaronsitzes841]

7 years the Knights have been a team. Wow

[@andysorensen1737]

And they’ve only missed the playoffs once.

[@jayscott1380]

Cup in 6

[@aaronsitzes841]

My blues had a streak of 22, 25 years of playoff appearances. Bring back the Captain!!! Petro!

[@bdonaghu]

I still do not understand why they would trade for Hertl... An older and often injury prone forward on a pretty massive contract. And they gave up a first round pick to acquire him.

[@voightkampffchamp]

As a Sharks fan I'm not upset

[@KaiserInGilroy2K]

I’m not upset either. His iffy health and cap hit is the Knights problem now. Thanks for the first rounder, please miss the playoffs next year. The Sharks could always use an extra mid round pick.

[@DanRaidersWarriorsSharksGiants]

Hertl is prob the replacement for Chandler leaving in free agency.

[@jeffreym.8957]

His injury history isn't that bad - 79 games and 82 games in 2021/22 and 2022/23.

[@Dre0044]

Wow you have been the only channel on youtube that I’ve seen that has actually brought up injuries being a reason for Vegas not making it past the first round, you’re the only person who has said that Mark Stone didn’t look 100% I feel like it’s hard to pick between Martinez and Theodore. Alex Martinez is 36 and that’s the only reason I would keep Theodore over him. I’m interested to see the moves. Also to see if the cap raise happens. Mantha 100% is out, I agree with Hertl as well it’s very hindering. All in all I’m excited for next season.

[@dollarbill9073]

Martinez is gone. His wife hates Vegas and wants to move back to L.A. - Fact!

[@Dre0044]

@@dollarbill9073 him to retire as a King would be awesome

[@Nathanielhiggerson66]

stone was clearly injured though. As an Avs fan if Vegas made the 2nd round I would have been way more confident than I am- which is still quite confident

[@Aforg209]

Unless a Top 10 forward slides down to #19, I can see VGK drafting a skilled dman there... then VGK will trade Shea Theodore (2025 UFA) for a high pick and a young middle six forward with upside (like Nic Roy when he came from Carolina). They will use the money to re-sign Marchessault and Will Carrier. If Ammo and Dorofeyev can agree to team-friendly deals, I could see them both staying as well... all other UFA's are gonzo, unfortunately. I think most VGK fans would be ok with these moves.

[@anthonyf2796]

As much as I love #28, he is hurt way too often, and for long stretches. His ‘replacement’ (if you want to call him that) would be Cotter (aka Carrier light). Hope I’m wrong, but I can see it happening.

[@Bowman1999]

The Hertl move didn't make sense to me either. VGK will have a very interesting offseason to say the least.

[@soundgrips]

Crazy it's already been 7 seasons. Feels like yesterday.

[@dfoleyusa]

Knights will get creative. Will it be tough to get another Cup - no doubt. Probably the hardest trophy in sports to secure. Doing it once in a prime window is tough - doing it twice like Tampa, Chicago or the LA Kings have in the modern era to me is extraordinarily impressive. However, if healthy, and even with some subtraction of the names on the board like Martinez and Stephenson it is not out of the realm of possibility that this team reloads and goes on another 22-23 like tear. I do think Marchy is a key piece to rolling it back as a glue guy. I think a lot of the names you have listed outside of him will likely be gone filled in with cheaper cap friendly options. This could hurt the depth a bit but then again Vegas has been a spot where so-so players sometimes find jam - see Wild Bill and Marchy and 22-23 Stephenson. Can they find some cheap FA’s that fit that bill using their analytics - maybe. Hertl is one I’m torn on - I do think with another year in Cassidy’s system he could return to form and with Vegas’ luck don’t be surprised if that trade ages better over time. I guess my point is - don’t underestimate Bill Foley’s desire to fill the trophy case before he shuffles off this mortal coil. He is getting up there in age but with the time he has left I expect him to remain a demanding owner and tough boss but also a winner as he- has been throughout his career.

[@ColonizerChan]

I really hope stone doesn’t have future issues from coming back, he def went through a lot

[@RIPJimmyA7X]

Ya chilling home waiting for the playoffs to start must have been brutal on him

[@junebugflyin7350]

love the title 😂

[@stevensullivan242]

Love me some Disneyland... but the crowds have gotten f*cking nuts!

[@dozercat]

It is a weird take to perpetuate Vegas (FO, players, or otherwise) are doing anything wrong. They made moves that any team could do, and no one should have to apologize for them. The vibe that comes from the hate also ensures that I really don’t watch any games outside of Vegas playing. Why would I want to cheer on any other teams when everyone actively and loudly hates on yours? The hate is unwarranted to Vegas, and it’s a gatekeeper mentality just because Vegas broke the script and continue to be relevant each year. Regarding Hertl, I’m not worried. Many thought Eichel would be a bad trade as well, even saying Vegas got fleeced. Look how that turned out. I’m proud to rep Vegas, and love the organization and the city wherever I go. Looking forward to the next cup parade.

[@adamvillari2638]

Can you please make one of these for Nashville?

[@ColonizerChan]

Being a sharks fan watching this, man I haven’t been on this side of being a thorn in the side of another team since Sean Avery was on the rangers. Goodness time flys, but I’m def curious to what Vegas will do. They are in a dicey situation for certain, but I can see them bouncing back. Not sure what they’ll do with Hertl tho (I still miss him ngl)

[@jacobholloway3044]

I don't think there's any reason to worry about Hertl yet, he played like 4 games with the team before the first round. He's going to be a strong, down low center that can play the net front. The cap is messy, but the fact of the matter is, they have a core of Eichel, Karlsson, Hertl, Roy, Petro, Hanafin, McNabb, plus both goalies who have been excellent in the playoffs. The window is as long as Eichel is here

[@vipeholmskolan6052]

I think Stone will start the season on LTIR.

[@kaiuche8640]

Can’t wait for half this comment section be about the LTIR/hertl trade

[@GizmoBeach]

More like 95%

[@DanRaidersWarriorsSharksGiants]

Go Sharks

[@rantanen1]

Well your comment is one of them

[@Dontatmebr0]

The title of this video is hilarious! 🤣

[@jkliao6486]

Looking at the jersey, I suddenly realized the shape of the helmet also has a V in it. Extremely slowpoke, I know.

[@Mr.Quinlan888]

I just have this feeling Kelly McCrimmon somehow brings in Mitch Marner from Toronto and moves Shea Theodore. Vegas still had some young depth D-Men in Hutton and Korczak, that looked pretty good when they played. Plus, Brisson could take the next step this offseason and fight for a spot in the lineup.

[@JesterRace139]

lmao this video is literally about Vegas needing to shed cap and you're suggesting the team could add Mitch Marner at $11m?

[@MB-iq2cg]

They need to put the whole roster on LTIR, call up their farm team, and use the whole salary cap to field a brand new roster. Then everyone gets healthy for game 1 playoffs and problem solved.

[@northy4119]

That 2026 unprotected 1st rounder could be interesting

[@tacocruiser4238]

Hertl is another good LTIR candidate for next season. His age and injury history give you some plausible deniability in case people get suspicious.

[@jeffreym.8957]

He's 30 - not 40.

[@davidfox9947]

A time is likely coming when the Knights are a mediocre team but they have won so much they should have a solid fan base forever especially when you consider 1/3 the league has never won the cup.

[@marksimpson8577]

I'm sorry, the what they are in?😂

[@pearldrums92]

House of cards!

[@brianlb78]

I honestly could see them putting Stone on LTIR for the entire season

[@demonhunter7861]

Honestly we ask these cap questions every year and it we will figure it out. Not worried about it.

[@TheHockeyGuy]

It's never been this messy.

[@demonhunter7861]

@TheHockeyGuy we have less draft picks to play with but they can make it work for now. But I do agree with the Tampa Bay comparison where we will slowly lose talent.

[@Zedbie]

Armchair GM opinions: Dorofeyev, Carrier, and Amadio are players I'd target and get on cheaper, shorter contracts. Getting two of these would be worth. If you can get Marchessault for less than six you go for it; otherwise you can let him walk. I think the Hertl Experiment hasn't reached Tatar levels of failure yet. There's a whole off-season to gel into the system. Martinez is a hard walk, but unless he takes an insane discount you have to move on. You have to hope that Whitecloud and Hague have a bounce back year. There's no escaping Pietrangelo's contract truly. And he hasn't been THAT bad. Stone will likely never play a full 82 and that's fine. If he's healthy for playoffs then it's great, if not then you hope he gets you a better position. Trading away Theodore or Karlsson, or other players feels like a mistake. They really just need to find a way to ice a consistent roster. Which is perfectly possible. The McGMs are gonna pull a ridiculous trade that invalidates this video soon anyways....

[@christhornycroft3686]

At the risk of sounding conspiratorial, all Vegas needs to do to be a contender again is to put a sizeable contract on LTIR for almost the entire season. Whether it was strategic or not, it typically works. It didn't this season, but it worked last year, so it can work again when you have a team like VGK. If Hertl, who was a failure this season, gets hurt for a while, there's almost 7 million they can use to take a flyer on someone else. Vegas has almost been a revolving door of players since their first season. They know how to use the rules to their advantage, whether people like that or not. Even if they sign a guy for more than they're worth and they bomb, they seem to be able to get out of those contracts and stay competitive, except for the one year they missed the playoffs. I don't see any reason why, pending another down year, they can't figure something out. They seem to be able to accomplish things few others team can. I'm not saying there's any funny business going on, but things just work out for them.

[@jayscott1380]

LOL, that title. Prediction: Marner to Vegas, for draft picks they don't have yet and future considerations, Toronto to retain all of his salary. Somehow it'll happen.

[@sethturner5115]

Someone is going to throw the bank at marchessault. Idk how they keep him

[@liljoe31]

He says he wants to stay for the rest of career fwiw

[@FlightIsLife]

Vegas is a great team, but has also demonstrated that there are no rails on what they will do with the roster. I think they've correctly identified that fan loyalty is more closely tied to a team than it is to specific players or 'core guys' ... ask any leaf fan if they would trade Matthews, Marner and Tavares all for a cup win. I'm still salty about the Fluery trade but I'm happy they won a cup

[@luvslogistics1725]

March coming back is very important. Him and Stone are the face of this team. The defense is fantastic hope they don’t mess with it. The strategy is to just chip gingerly at periphery players to free up enough cap.

[@Babyfaceassassin17]

I think they'll have to do alot more than just chip away at it, probably have to break off a few stones if you catch my meaning.

[@tylerhk9391]

Banners fly forever and Vegas management should be credited for getting that Cup. I do think this is the beginning of the devil coming to collect.

[@matturner6890]

NHL gotta #StopTheCap

[@Bob-wy6zv]

The St. Louis Blues went through that expansion success but they are due for down years and it wil be within a year or two

[@akwz2448]

Flyers can give you Risto back for Petro if you’d like 😊

[@andyholland2130]

If the salary cap goes up to 88 million, like projected, they'll have 10.5 million to work with. Marchessault and Stephenson are probably both gone regardless though.

[@oldhab7890]

The cap is working to increase parity in the league. Stone will be on LTIR to start the year.

[@GizmoBeach]

Put the entire team on the LTIR, have the space to deal for anyone they can think of.

[@anthonyf2796]

Will Carrier missed a bunch of games due to injury, as well.

[@pattylank8939]

Spleendid!

[@gtl81199]

Small changes wouldn’t blow the whole thing up

[@baohoaily]

Wouldn’t be surprised if they went nuclear and basically went straight for a rebuild. They already won!

[@tylerthiel8470]

Does that 866k in cap space already include the amount that the cap is going up?

[@TheHockeyGuy]

Yes

[@somerandomguy8362]

I've accepted for awhile that Marcy is gone. Keeping him makes no sense from a cap perspective and someone will give him a crazy contract in free agency we cant come close to matching. The goal should be to bring back some combo of amadio/stephenson/carrier and fill out the rest of the roster with some young guys to see if we have anything and a ring chaser vet or 2. The real cap crunch is next offseason when Theodore, Hill, McNabb, Kolesar, and Logan Thompson all become UFA. Would be shocked if Pietro waved his NMC and a buyout only gives about 2.5 in savings the next few seasons and then we would carry 1.9 cap hit till 2030 according to cap friendly

[@khpredator0032]

I wouldn’t mind seeing Martinez go, as well as Stephenson, and (maybe) pietrangelo. We have some good defensemen from the Silver Knights whom I thought had some really good games I just hope they re-sign Marchy. They simply have to.

[@jeremyballuff3634]

Petro has a full NMC. He is not going anywhere.

[@khpredator0032]

@@jeremyballuff3634 ah…forgot about that

[@tonykung8756]

Ppl keep harping on how Vegas is manipulating the cap, but doesn’t the Leafs do this thing where they shove bad players on LTIR to avoid the cap claiming they’re ‘unfit to play’? Aka Robidas Island

[@TheHockeyGuy]

No, there has never been a player they placed on LTIR who has actually returned from injury. They had three players on LTIR this season and all of their careers are likely over.

[@tonykung8756]

@@TheHockeyGuy The Leafs sort of do this differently where they shoved undesirable contracts on LTIR so it doesn't affect their cap. They did this over the years with David Clarkson and Stephane Robidas, and thus the term 'Robidas Island' was coined.

[@TheHockeyGuy]

Clarkson never played again. Robidas never played again. That's how LTIR is meant to work. Those players were not able to play anymore and went onto LTIR.

[@tonykung8756]

@@TheHockeyGuy I wondered if Robidas could have played while still under contract to the Leafs, but chose to stay on LTIR because the Leafs didn't want him on roster and got the cap relief. In Vegas' case of utilizing the LTIR for the past few years like shoving Mark Stone on LTIR and activating him for the playoffs, I don't see why people are up in arms because the league checks these things and Stone really had these injuries, and therefore Vegas should get cap relief. Isn't that how LTIR is meant to work?

[@TheHockeyGuy]

The issue is we have started to hear about the NHL checking on the initial injury, but not following up on it. Stone returning for game one two years in a row does look really sketchy and everyone called it when he went onto LTIR. Don't be surprised when it gets changed in the next CBA so players who finish the season on LTIR are not allowed to play in the first round anymore.

[@Hawaii96720]

I honestly think we will see a decline in their "dominance" in years to come. Not having those draft picks is unreal! there's teams in the WC that will definitely be much improved from this season. Good luck to Vegas, but it's going to be an interesting off-season for them.

[@canadianmadduck8932]

At this point it seems more like Cap escapism. Las Vegas Houdinis

[@Indybone]

Resign #81 and the VGK will be ok

[@TheMe9595]

It feels like McCrimmon is taking the Holland approach to GMing

[@DanRaidersWarriorsSharksGiants]

I want Hertl to play well but man he was bad vs Dallas.

[@jeremyballuff3634]

He got surgery in February, he probably thought his season was done then he got traded, didn’t come back until the very end of the season, and then in pretty much every game of the playoffs the lines were jumbled. It’s not really surprising to me that he wasn’t very good, I’m sure after having some time to rest and a full training camp, he will be a lot better.

[@DanRaidersWarriorsSharksGiants]

@@jeremyballuff3634 Sure and the dallas defense played really well too. Even when Hertl played in the all star game he was injured but the sharks gave him permission. I still say if he played with a healthy Jack and Stone on the same line it would be lethal if all 3 were healthy.

[@mcj44]

lmao

[@dman6377]

Come on, it's Vegas, they have $20 - $30M in cap space. They'll be fine. Vegas would like to say thank you for creating next years LTIR list.

[@martin9202]

I think Hertl wasn't on 100% either. I believe, he had hard time to adjust to Vegas system and he will be fine after training camp. He seems to be great fit to Vegas style-wise, he just need more time to adjust. Not every player is a world-beater right after trade...

[@martin9202]

I'm also concerned about Stone's longevity... Back is a very sensitive part, and at some point, it can start threatening his everyday life after hockey... I don't think he will play for long time maybe a year ?

[@Slipings]

would be nice to see the Knights as bottom feeders and somehow get the #1 overall pick which is given to the Sharks giving them back to back #1 picks

[@tnoff732]

Sorry Hertl Never leave San Jose again!!

[@DanRaidersWarriorsSharksGiants]

He wanted to leave so he got his wish.

[@KaiserInGilroy2K]

I got my wish too. Another Albatross contract taken off the Sharks hands. What kind of components could they get for Vlasic or Couture? I want Doug Wilson’s fingerprints completely scrubbed off this team.

[@DanRaidersWarriorsSharksGiants]

@@KaiserInGilroy2K Glad Doug Wilson is gone but they would have to pay someone to take those contracts away with Couture's injury and Vlasic not being worth 7 mill a year.

[@arnoldvosloo220]

@@KaiserInGilroy2K For another team to take Vlasic and Couture, the Sharks would probably have to give up two first round picks.

[@carterpochynok4874]

The time of reckoning for their salary cap sins may finally be at hand...

[@Steve_Hunts96]

As a Knights fan, I see the VGK doing as follows: Let Martinez walk/retire, let Stephenson walk, let Mantha walk, and let Carrier walk. Letting all of them walk frees up a combined $12.25 million from the cap at a minimum, allowing Vegas to re-sign Marchessault at a $6M+AAV deal for a few seasons (prediction), then with the leftover space, re-sign Amadio & Dorofeyev, and then, maybe you think about trading Theodore’s $5.2M hit, and see what kind of return you can get for a defenseman that has high potential like he does. I think his development has plateaued in Vegas, but that doesn’t mean he can’t become something more somewhere else - I just think the Hanifin trade + extension means Shea is expendable, not to mention Vegas actually has some really good looking defenseman prospects coming up from Henderson. Any additional cap space following those walks & re-signings will go to bottom-6 free agents, as I think Vegas’ top-6 is solidified. Pietrangelo, even though IMO we’re hitting the point where that contract will begin to look bad, I believe stays at least for 1 more year, before Vegas will really begins to push for the full NMC to be waived. All in all, I think this team is still incredibly talented, will still be incredibly talented after this offseason, and if they can just have a healthy season as a team next year, I have no doubt they will contend for the cup again.

[@tateanderson213]

I don’t think you’re understanding that that $12.25 million is not being “freed up” by letting guys walk because extensions are already eating into it

[@arnoldvosloo220]

Too optimistic. E.g., trading Theodore will get nothing of value in return as everyone knows Vegas' cap situation, and Theodore really has minimal trade value with his injuries and given he was a ghost in the playoffs. Also, you need to look at capfriendly because the

[@arnoldvosloo220]

If you opened capfriendly you'd see how wrong you are

[@Nathanielhiggerson66]

Unless Hertl really works in Vegas theyre fkd

[@mhedden033]

If everyone in blue leaves and Lehner stays on LTIR, they have 5.9M in cap. The $12.25 you reference is already gone.

[@Akm-cd9qi]

As a vgk fan I think we trade pietranleo and give korczak more of a chance

[@blarg539]

Ah, their GM is from Boston, that explains it.

[@jrfourr]

As a kings fan Martinez will be the one to watch

[@liljoe31]

Bringing back the injured guys ended up hurting them more tham helping. But dont tell that to the raging knights haters

[@chobitASHL3Y]

let's ask stone how he's feeling first.

[@jamescbender43081]

I don't see them trading Pietrangelo without having to retain a pretty big piece of that salary. His play is starting to fall off, and if I'm one of the 31 other why would I do these guys any favors?

[@neutralsportsfan17]

Doubtful Pietrangelo waives his no-move clause anyway.

[@arnoldvosloo220]

@@neutralsportsfan17 Of course he won't. I'm guessing Shannon didn't notice his NMC before making this video. My guess is they dump Theodore for nothing and put Stone on LTIR for the whole season so he can return in game 1 of next year's playoffs. Then they should be able to afford the contracts they need for next season.

[@cherbo4112]

wait question, doesnt the cap go up next year by 7 million?

[@cherbo4112]

i believe on exit interviews kelly said everyone seems to forget that extra cap, if so and i may be wrong but that leave vegas with over 12 million in cap correct?

[@arnoldvosloo220]

@@cherbo4112 Incorrect

[@user-fc1zx2vo7p]

They really only need to sign 2 forwards for next season for $5.8m ....very doable. Not a lot of forward depth but the cap hell aint that bad but your bottom 2 lines are not great.

[@The_Mobile_Jockey]

Thank you for welcoming me back since 2017. (Been subscribed across multiple accounts)

[@rvdnsx8366]

We all know what they are going to do…

[@johannespitkamaki1369]

Vegas has been kinda dick to its players so it wouldnt be any miracle if they moved stone out or eichel among petrangelo if they dont produce like they expect? All of them would bring hefty return for new kinda look

[@hereticcreep3795]

Marc stone is a beast people just don’t wanna accept that

[@ameraceffj]

stone WAS a beast. gotta stay on the ice 🏥

[@DanRaidersWarriorsSharksGiants]

He looked like he was still injured.

[@Dontatmebr0]

He looked like my grandpa on ice

[@kelanowen]

As a Sharks fan, it feels good to see the Golden Knights hurt from a deal with us. I never felt like Vegas won the Hertl deal, and this just affirms that. An unprotected 2025 pick from the Knights could be a lottery pick for the Sharks if they continue their downward spiral.

[@ianhall6614]

And they gave us their first round prospect from last year. It’s weird receiving the prospects instead of trading them like the previous 15 years.

[@kelanowen]

@@ianhall6614 right? Lolol

[@jayscott1380]

Sharks fans celebrating "Vegas' downward spiral" when next season hasn't even started yet, is pathetic. It's wayyyyy to early to know if Hertl hurts Vegas or helps. He might win a Cup next year and be given the Con Smyth as a Knight. You just don't know. I understand that it's tough to be a Shark's fan now days, and all you got is your optimistic Vegas hate, but come on, you guys at least won the draft lottery.

[@kelanowen]

@@jayscott1380 It’s early, but not too early for my Vegas hate lol. I’m still convinced nobody won the Stanley cup in 2023- they just canceled it 😬😂

[@jayscott1380]

@@kelanowen LOL

[@skillby]

"not happy for a cassidy as a bruins fan, that he's done well." Uh, what? He did quite well for your Bruins. Now you dislike him?

[@prescottgillies7430]

Resign marchy most importantly and Resign most of the others there