Don't you love trade rumor season? It's a time when Wayne Gretzky's brain-dead nephew will come up with the most outlandish scenarios for a deal. Yes, it has been done here a couple of times, where certain players have been given underwhelming packages.
That's no different from the latest speculation, which has one team looking for a Misfit. Who might be on their way out, you ask?
I mean, sure, if you think a 32-year-old man will single-handedly end a nearly 60-year Stanley Cup drought, go ahead. But it still doesn't change the glaring holes your franchise has altogether (i.e., the need for a puck-moving defenseman).
But that goes back to a broader point. In an offseason where the Golden Knights are looking to reshuffle the lineup, certain pieces are off-limits. For example, Jack Eichel isn't a player you're moving anytime soon. He came off a record-breaking year (28 goals and 94 points) and is eyeing a massive contract extension.
Eichel isn't the only Golden Knights star off-limits, though. Don't expect these three players to be traded anytime soon. Whether it's their contributions at a high level, a massive cap hit, or an immovable contract, these players will still have staying power in Las Vegas. Let's explore these three mystery men.
1.) William Karlsson
So let's talk about William Karlsson for a second. Despite being injured for a chunk of 2024-25, the Misfit scored nine goals and 20 assists. Sure, you will say that's a down year because of his injuries. That is true.
However, that doesn't mean he's going anywhere. For one, he had a solid showing during the Stanley Cup playoffs, scoring three goals and three assists.
There's also the contract factor that comes into play. While he'll become a free agent in 2027, a $5.9 million cap hit is tough to take on unless retention is involved. McCrimmon isn't the most keen on doing this, preferring to have other teams do his bidding.
2.) Mark Stone
If you thought trading a $5.9 million cap hit was tough, man, I've got some news for you. Imagine trying to trade Mark Stone's massive hit of $9.5 million. Don't forget to add in the full no-move clause as well.
He might be 33 years old and at the tail end of his career. However, the Captain also scored 48 assists in 2024-25. That was arguably one of his best seasons of his career. While he is slowing down, Stone still has some gas left in the tank.
3.) Alex Pietrangelo
Speaking of full no-move clauses and large cap hits, that's exactly the same situation the defenseman is in. He carries an $8.8 million cap hit and will be around until 2027. Pietrangelo also can't be moved, making life tougher for the Golden Knights.
As much as Kelly McCrimmon would love to get younger across the board, it's tough doing so when you're saddled with a bigger contract. Ironically, that's the same situation Vegas could face with Mitch Marner, should they sign him.