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The Case for Keeping Jonathan Marchessault AND Chandler Stephenson

Both Jonathan Marchessault and Chandler Stephenson are free agents next season. Here's why the Vegas Golden Knights should extend both stars.

By Jacob Walters

Calgary Flames v Vegas Golden Knights
Calgary Flames v Vegas Golden Knights / Candice Ward/GettyImages
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2. The Opportunity is There

Jonathan Marchessault, Chandler Stephenson
2023 NHL Stanley Cup Final - Game Two / Ethan Miller/GettyImages

I know what you're going to ask regarding this topic.

"How can you sign BOTH Jonathan Marchessault and Chandler Stephenson? They have contracts where the AAV will be too much."

First, there's some good news regarding this topic, dear reader. The NHL salary cap is set to increase by $4.2 million next season. That should leave room for the Vegas Golden Knights to make a substantial offer to one of the forwards.

But, wait, there's more! Martinez's $5.25 million is set to come off the books next season, providing even more legroom for Vegas. Throw in William Carrier's $1.4 million cap hit and minor cap hits like Byron Froese and Sheldon Rempal ($762,500 each) and everything works out.

There are also potential trade pieces like Keegan Kolesar that could open the cap. While some rearranging will be done, Kelly McCrimmon can lock up Marchessault on a shorter deal and Chandler Stephenson for the long term.

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