The Vegas Golden Knights didn't make any surprise big free-agent signings or make a blockbuster trade to alter the franchise, instead focusing on retaining players already under contract, including Rasmus Andersson and Jeremy Lauzon. Recently, Adam Gretz at the Bleacher Report graded all the long-term deals signed this summer, including Andersson's seven-year deal and Lauzon's six-year deal. Surprisingly, he was not a big fan of either.
Golden Knights receive unfair criticism for long-term deals
A few seasons ago, the Golden Knights acquired defenseman Noah Hanifin from the Calgary Flames, one of the more sought-after defenders who could help a contender win the Stanley Cup. Fast-forward to early 2026, and with the Flames in a full-blown rebuild, they offered to part ways with Andersson, who reunited with his older partner Hanifin in Vegas. Again, the Golden Knights went out and procured the services of one of the league's prized pending free agents.
As the old saying goes, defense wins championships, so with Andersson in the lineup, the Golden Knights advanced to the Stanley Cup Final, only to lose in Game 6. That was the longest postseason journey for Andersson and Hanifin, who both proved invaluable on the team's back end.
Meanwhile, Lauzon came to town as a free agent last summer and, in 68 games, posted a career high in assists with 12, while coming within a point of tying a personal best of 14. Unlike the previous time under former head coach Bruce Cassidy in Boston, Lauzon saw his ice time dip about a minute down to 17:11, while finishing the year just minus-3, which isn't terrible considering he's a bottom-pairing defenseman.
Of course, Gretz points out the risk of a 29-year-old on a six-year deal, but in three of the past four seasons in which he's played over 60 games, Lauzon has put up more than 12 points each year.
NHL Salary Cap continues to rise, leading to pay increases
By the end of the decade, when star players like Jack Eichel and Mitch Marner will be making $13.5 million and $12 million, respectively, the Golden Knights will look like one of the smartest teams in the league. As the NHL Salary Cap continues to rise, so do players' salaries, including recently departed Pavel Dorofeyev, who inked a $77 million contract with the New York Rangers. He'll make $11 million annually, while Andersson and Lauzon will make just $1.5 million more combined. Crisis averted.
Considering the Colorado Avalanche just paid Cale Makar $164 million, including a $20 million annual salary, the Golden Knights do not need to invest so much money in one player, which would trickle down to the rest of the lineup. Signing two key defensemen for a total of $12.5 million for the next six years won't get rave reviews across the league, but it will go a long way with the fanbase who want these two to help the club win another Stanley Cup. Wouldn't that be great for Las Vegas to see?
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