Could the Vegas Golden Knights extend Adin Hill? The pros and cons

Adin Hill has kept the Vegas Golden Knights afloat in recent weeks. Could there be a contract extension on the horizon for the netminder?

Edmonton Oilers v Vegas Golden Knights
Edmonton Oilers v Vegas Golden Knights | Ethan Miller/GettyImages
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The cons of re-signing Adin Hill

While re-signing Hill does sound like a good option, the looming Jack Eichel extension is on the horizon. A potential deal that could reach $14 million AAV will single-handedly price Hill out of any chance of re-signing with the team. Why would McCrimmon extend his goaltender when he can retain his Hart Trophy candidate?

The netminder isn't in the best position to be re-signed, either. His improved play could price him out by driving up the AAV. If he falters and plays bad, that'll make McCrimmon's job of not retaining him much easier. Add in a solid season from Keegan Kolesar (six goals, four assists) and the priorities shift further from the goaltender.

While having the Calgary native around to mentor the younger prospects, that's also a double-edged sword. Being in the last year of your two-year deal makes you a lame duck, especially with Schmid waiting in the wings. Sure, the 28-year-old has been a reliable postseason netminder. However, McCrimmon prefers younger talent with more upside (see Pavel Dorofeyev).

The general manager not re-signing Marchessault is a perfect example. The 33-year-old winger had a career-high 42 goals last season, making him a good candidate for an extension. However, he was also smaller (5'9", 185 lbs.) and had a deteriorating defensive game. Therefore, a five-year deal would've become an albatross for the Golden Knights. While a Hill extension won't have the same effect, McCrimmon will certainly go for younger, cheaper talent. That's especially true if they don't have the injury history that Hill does.

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