The Vegas Golden Knights (29-22-14, 72 points) have lost six of their last seven games and at the moment are in third place within the Pacific Division, so that they might not be completely focused on signing players to contract extensions. Besides, the organization cannot lock up its most high-profile unrestricted free agent even when it desired to, at the least not at once. Re-signing midseason acquisition Rasmus Andersson could have to attend.
For the reason that Knights have limited salary cap space for the 2026-27 campaign, the collective bargaining agreement prohibits them from inking the 10-year defenseman to a brand new deal. Insider and senior columnist Pierre LeBrun broke down the circumstances currently facing Vegas, while also outlining the scenario that can enable president of hockey operations George McPhee to bring back Andersson this summer.
“My understanding of the situation is that they currently only have $3.2 million in projected cap space for next season, which incorporates Alex Pietrangelo’s $8.8 million cap hit,” LeBrun wrote for The Athletic. “Vegas has the bottom 2026-27 projected cap space available currently amongst all 32 teams. And clearly an Andersson extension will cost greater than $3.2 million per yr.”
The Golden Knights’ tendency to bend the cap via deft roster moves is well-known by now, and based on its current financial outlook, it appears they’ll need to shuffle players around once more. Pietrangelo, who’s recovering from a season-ending hip issue, may very well be a key a part of the franchise’s potential plans to increase Andersson.
“Eventually, Vegas will obviously have the ability to place Pietrangelo back on {Long-Term Injured Reserve} for next season and, on July 1, the salary cap officially jumps in an enormous way,” LeBrun notes. “Even before then, the Golden Knights could move money out after the season, in May or June depending on how long they play this spring.”
The Golden Knights accomplished a trade with the Calgary Flames to amass Rasmus Andersson back in January, but he has struggled to search out his form together with his latest team. The 29-year-old Swede has one goal, five assists, 31 blocks and three hits in 16 games with Vegas. Although the front office has the means to retain him this offseason, it will want to see how Andersson performs in the ultimate stretch of the campaign before making any decisions.