It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. The Stanley Cup has finally been handed out, but there’s still plenty to discuss on the rumour front. General managers won’t have much time to rest with the NHL Draft and the start of July 1 free agency. Deals are going to be made at a rapid pace with little time to catch a break. One team that has high expectations every year is the Vegas Golden Knights. This edition of NHL rumours looks at the other teams calling about their two goalies.
All NHL Rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Vegas Golden Knights Taking Calls on Both Goalies
Rumour: ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reports that a number of teams have called about Vegas goalies Adin Hill and Logan Thompson. David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period relayed this information got relayed in an article.
Curious to see what happens with @GoldenKnights as both of their Goalies are on expiring contracts after the upcoming season. Stanley Cup Winners, Thompson is an All-Star. I’m told clubs inquiring on both. #HockeyX
— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) June 21, 2024
Analysis: It’s no secret that the Golden Knights will always be a salary cap team. General Manager Kelly McCrimmon will face the perpetual challenge of trying to balance the books. The Golden Knights have challenges like signing Jonathan Marchessault and Chandler Stephenson to new deals. However, keeping these players will be easier said than done.
McCrimmon made some moves in inking Noah Hanifin to a big contract. However, space is still at a premium for other signings. The Knights could make some space by making some deals. However, the team may have to part with one of their goalies.
The Decision on Who to Keep and Who to Trade
Both Hill and Thompson have taken up starter minutes in the past couple of seasons. However, both will be unrestricted free agents at the end of the next season. Hill holds a $4.9 million cap hit, but also has an eight-team no-trade clause. However, that list shrinks to five teams after July 1. Hill is also 28 years old and guided the Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup.
Thompson has a much-lower cap-hit at $766,667. He’s also only 27 years old, but carried lots of the play in net this season while Hill was injured. His age and his small cap hit could make Thompson an attractive option for a team searching for a low-cost option in between the pipes.
It would benefit the Knights to at least explore a deal because it could yield a decent haul. Vegas is an attractive to play, but the salary cap dance is always a hard one. McCrimmon would love to get something before letting either or both walk away for nothing.
Some Teams That May Be Calling
The Ottawa Senators, Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Buffalo Sabres and Carolina Hurricanes are all teams that are trying to evaluate their goalie position according to Pagnotta. This could allow Vegas to maybe get a draft pick or two to clear out some cap space. Vegas will need every dollar it can to try to keep Marchessault and/or Stephenson.
Vegas can always try to fill the hole with another cheaper option in goal. A veteran backup could be had at a low price who would welcome a move to a contender. Trading Hill might be a bit harder, but it could give the team more room in finding someone to challenge Thompson for the top spot in goal.
Main photo by: Stephen R. Sylvanie – USA TODAY Sports
