The Stanley Cup Window remains very much open for the Vegas Golden Knights who are primed to be a contender for the foreseeable.
After reaching the Stanley Cup Finals in their inaugural year, the Vegas Golden Knights were unable to embark on a deep run this time round after losing to the San Jose Sharks in a historic and truly bonkers Game 7.
Vegas bolstered their roster significantly by trading for the likes of Paul Stastny, Max Pacioretty and Mark Stone, so therefore 2018-19 could be considered a disappointment for the Golden Knights who have a very deep and talented roster.
It is important, however, to focus on the positives and look forward because this roster is still a genuine Stanley Cup contender and will be for the foreseeable.
With Marc-Andre Fleury still at the peak of his powers between the pipes, Shea Theodore and Nate Schmidt on the blueline and a top six forward unit that will strike fear in the heart of the NHL’s other 30 teams, the future looks bright for this franchise.
However, there are tweaks that need to be made to this roster particularly lower down the line-up on both the blueline and in the offensive zone.
But as already covered in great length on this website, the Golden Knights are already pressing right up against the salary cap and don’t have a lot of room in which to manoeuvre when it comes to signing free agents.
Some players will have to leave and Colin Miller is the latest name to keep cropping up in trade rumours, alongside Cody Eakin who has been a more than effective bottom six forward during his two years with Vegas.
Other players and fans’ favourites such as Deryk Engelland and Pierre-Edouard Bellemare could walk as unrestricted free agents, leaving gaping holes in the roster although there are a boatload of talented young studs waiting in the wings ready to make the leap to the NHL.
All Stanley Cup contenders, however, have one or two bottom six forwards who can provide both offensive production and grit, so we have picked out three in particular who could fit the bill for the Vegas Golden Knights should they opt to dip their toe in the free agency pool when it begins on July, 1.