The Vegas Golden Knights have many questions looming in the offseason. Their current cap situation has them at roughly $4.6 million and they have some questions to answer about contract extensions. Of course, that's a tiny part of the equation.
The other question looms around how to make that cap space much more palatable. The Golden Knights are set to have a mass exodus of talent leave the team this offseason. That includes defensemen and wingers, complicating matters further. How in the world can you create a hockey team with just the scraps?
So, let's have a little fun with this, shall we? Imagine a remote island where there aren't any people on it. You're lucky to have one or two on there, yet you're surrounded by wildlife.
Why not send four Golden Knights to that remote island, where they'll never return? These four players come to mind regarding this scenario, specifically since they underachieved during the regular season and the Stanley Cup playoffs. Time to get Tom Hanks on that island and find a volleyball!
1.) Rasmus Andersson
As mentioned, if you're going to do a contract extension over the summer, Pavel Dorofeyev is thee guy. He was the Golden Knights' goals leader in 2025-26 (37) and even added 12 Stanley Cup playoff goals. Nothing screams "extension" more than giving a 25-year-old winger a solid deal for his hard work.
On the other end is Rasmus Andersson, who hasn't panned out the way that Golden Knights fans hoped. He didn't score during the Stanley Cup playoffs and had too many turnovers to even consider bringing him back. Therefore, he must go (although he probably won't since he's likely to be extended).
2.) Adin Hill
What do you do with a $6.25 million AAV player who's been constantly hurt and underachieving (excluding his 2024-25 season)? Well, you get rid of him to make room for another extension, a big trade, or more depth players.
Notching a GAA of 3.04 and a save percentage of .871 isn't enticing enough for the Golden Knights. However, the Goals Saved Above Expected is less than appetizing as well: he clocked in at -14.2, by far the worst on the Golden Knights. Therefore, he must hang out with Wilson on a remote island.
3.) Cole Smith
Did you know that the other Smith led the Golden Knights in penalty minutes this postseason (24)? The lower-line right winger only chipped in three goals and three assists, leaving plenty to be desired in terms of scoring.
Therefore, it's safe to say that the low-risk, low-reward experiment was exactly that. It didn't work out, so let's find another effective lower-line winger that can step in at a reasonable price.
4.) Brandon Saad
Look, I know that Saad was supposed to be a good, fast winger during the 2025-26 season. But only scoring three goals and six assists in 49 games doesn't inspire enough confidence in bringing him back.
That's especially true when you can find younger alternatives in the minor leagues. Think of names like Braeden Bowman, players who can step in and take the load off for the Golden Knights. More importantly, they'll be cheaper for McCrimmon, should they get some action.
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