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NHL Rumours: Vegas Golden Knights Hope to Retain Pickup

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports | By Dan Mount | Last updated Mar 29, 2026 4:43 PM ET

We’re back with another round of NHL rumours. The end of the regular season is almost here, but that doesn’t mean that the hot stove talk has slowed down. Several teams made trades at the deadline, and these clubs would love to keep these acquisitions beyond the deadline. Plenty of these deadline pickups will be unrestricted free agents at the end of the season. General managers likely don’t want these players to end up being expensive rentals.

One team that made a massive swing was the Vegas Golden Knights. This edition of NHL rumours features a defender that the Golden Knights would like to hang onto after getting him at the deadline.

All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.

NHL Rumours

Vegas Golden Knights Would Like to Retain Deadline Defenceman

Rumour: On his own show, Chris Johnston talked about what the future may hold for the Golden Knights and pre-Olympic pickup Rasmus Andersson. Johnston said that the Golden Knights would love to keep the Swede, and the insider expects him to be extended.

Analysis: Andersson came over before the Winter Olympic break in a deal with the Calgary Flames. The veteran blueliner was part of a package that sent Zach Whitecloud, prospect Abram Wiebe, a 2027 first-round pick, and a conditional 2028 second-round pick the other way. Vegas general manager Kelly McCrimmon gave up plenty of assets to land one of the most coveted deadline targets.

Andersson is in the final year of a contract that sees him making $4.55 million. Calgary is retaining 50 percent of the current deal, which helped make the transaction happen. However, there’s no doubt that the 29-year-old will want a well-deserved raise.

This is another Golden Knights player seeking a raise after being acquired via trade. However, Vegas and McCrimmon have found a way to keep these players in the fold. Johnston added that he expects Andersson and Vegas to come to an agreement.

What It Means

Vegas has always been a factor at the trade deadline and willing to roll the dice to improve the team. We’ve seen the Golden Knights throw their weight around and use everything at their disposal in order to get the players they need. It’s pretty much happened in every season since coming into the NHL.

Vegas always finds a way to get its man and then worries about the consequences later on. One would think the Golden Knights wouldn’t be able to keep all of those acquisitions. However, Vegas has a pretty good track record of keeping most of their deadline pickups.

There are some Golden Knights’ fans that are worried that they may not be able to make the math work. Vegas will only have $3.2 million available and likely has other needs. However, The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun pointed out that Alex Pietrangelo‘s $8.8 million cap hit will go to long-term injured reserve. This will free up money to take care of a new deal.

Let’s also keep in mind that the league hasn’t given a clear number on what next year’s cap ceiling will be. A large increase will likely give McCrimmon more room to take care of an important piece of business.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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