NHL Rumours: Vegas Exploring Cap-Shedding Options

Welcome to NHL Rumours! While two teams compete for the Stanley Cup, other teams are exploring options to contend for the Cup in 2026. Today’s rumour looks at the Vegas Golden Knights, who are exploring a cap-shedding option in order to create an opportunity to chase big-name free agents this summer.

NHL Rumours

Vegas Exploring Cap-Shedding Options

Rumour: Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet believes the Golden Knights are exploring ways to improve their roster for next season. Specifically, the Knights are looking at options to clear some salary cap from their roster in order to make a run at a big-name free agent. Kypreos believes the Golden Knights are looking to trade forward Ivan Barbashev to accomplish this. 

Analysis: This would not be the first time the Golden Knights have moved a large contract to bring on another one. In 2020, the Golden Knights traded Paul Stastny to create cap space to sign Alex Pietrangelo. If they want to accomplish it again this year, trading Barbashev does make the most sense. He is 29 years old, coming off a 23-goal season. Since being acquired by the Golden Knights, Barbashev has consistently produced offense. The Golden Knights should not have any trouble moving Barbashev, who has three years left on his contract. His cap hit is $5 million a season.

Possible Roadblock 

While there would be suitors for Barbashev, it may not be that easy. Barbashev has an eight-team no-trade list. If Vegas finds the only interested suitors are from that list, Barbashev will need to agree to waive the no-trade clause to be traded. 

Barbashev will likely want to go to a contender. However, one would think a contender would be willing to take on that contract. A $5 million contract over the next three years is not bad for a consistent someone who scores 20+ scores and is just now turning 30. 

Who Are the Golden Knights Targeting in Free Agency?

In 2020, the Golden Knights signed Pietrangelo, the biggest defenceman on the free-agent market. This summer, they could target Mitch Marner, the biggest forward on the free-agent market. Marner is coming off a 102-point season and is a strong two-way forward. If not Marner, the Golden Knights could pursue Sam Bennett, who is playing in his third-straight Stanley Cup Final.

Golden Knights Seeking to Renew Playoff Success

Since winning the Stanley Cup in 2023, the Golden Knights have only won one playoff series. For a team that has made the playoffs in all but one season of their eight-year existence, including four appearances in the Western Conference Final and two appearances in the Stanley Cup Final, this is a trend they want to change.

The Golden Knights have never been afraid to open up their checkbook to make the team better. They are also not afraid to make a trade that can better the team in the long run. Whether you like, dislike, or are indifferent to the Golden Knights, there is no denying that their goal is always to win the Stanley Cup. 

This could be an interesting summer for the eight-year-old franchise.