The Vegas Golden Knights aren't expected to have as stressful an offseason as 2024. They have already locked key players such as Adin Hill and Shea Theodore to long-term deals. In turn, they've locked in their core group.
Still, some names are entering the final year of their respective deals. The obvious elephant in the room is Jack Eichel, who's seeking a long-term deal himself. Could he strike gold with an eight-year deal worth $12 million AAV? Stay tuned, dear reader.
However, that doesn't mean other guys don't have to be left out of the re-signing festivities. Other pending free agents have proven themselves worthy of getting a contract extension with the Golden Knights.
Who, you ask? Well, let's just say that Ilya Samsonov isn't one of those players. He's being sent to the pit of misery for all eternity. However, these three players have done enough to warrant a new deal from McCrimmon himself. Who are these mystery men that should settle down in Las Vegas for another year or two?
1.) Victor Olofsson
Victor Olofsson had a great rebound year from his 2023-24 campaign (seven goals and eight assists). The Swedish forward scored 15 goals and 14 assists, with six goals coming on the power play. It's no wonder the Golden Knights had the second-best power play in the NHL (28.3%).
Olofsson has also been surprisingly efficient as a puck-handler with only eight defensive zone giveaways. On top of that, he scored 3.2 goals above expected, making him a solid pickup. Why not run it back with a modest two-year, $2 million deal?
2.) Brandon Saad
On the surface, it appeared Brandon Saad didn't do much during the Stanley Cup playoffs. He only had two assists during the team's playoff run. However, it's not for a lack of trying.
After Game 2, Saad had 13 shots on goal, registering a shot in every game except Game 2 against the Edmonton Oilers. On top of that, he's been an incredible forechecker who's always seeking a goal. A one or two-year deal is worth keeping the former Chicago Blackhawks star around.
3.) Reilly Smith
No, this isn't for pure nostalgia purposes. However, there's a specific need for Smith, starting with the penalty kill. Since March 6, the Golden Knights have killed off 32 penalties. More importantly, they had a 83.3% penalty kill percentage during the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Part of that is Smith's acumen for fishing out pucks, where his stick is active. Paired with William Karlsson, the "Misfits" can do heavy damage to opposing power plays. In fact, they can race down the ice for a shorthanded goal, turning the game completely on its head.
Therefore, Reilly Smith should get a proper Vegas Golden Knights sendoff with a two-year deal. He doesn't care about the money (or term) as much as a certain fellow "Misfit." Plus, he already has a house in Las Vegas. Sounds like a done deal to me!