Team: 2020-21 Vegas Golden Knights

Initial Creation Date: Oct. 14, 2020

Published: Oct. 14, 2020

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Vegas still needs to move some players in order to be cap compliant (something management said they would be by the start of the season. Vegas could either move a big contract to free up salary to help fill spots, or they can "trim the hedges." I believe because Vegas is looking to win it all, they will go with the latter.

Though they are able to trim the hedges, they have to move enough salary to ensure they fill their spots (let's go with 20 skaters and 2 goalies). Based on their contracts, it looks like they need to move a little north of 4 million to fit comfortably under the cap. McNabb and Reaves accomplish this feat. I am sure some people would prefer if Vegas moves Carrier over Reaves, but I am unsure teams want to commit to 4 years to any player given the circumstances. Reaves seems like the more attractive piece, and you still have physical players you can replace Reaves with. As for McNabb, I think they prefer to keep Martinez if possible, and I think there will be teams interested in the defensive defenseman. Moving out the $4.25 million will help them fill roster spots.

CBJ and FLA are mere examples of teams that might trade for the aforementioned players. Like the Schmidt deal, it seems that Vegas has very little leverage and will trade those players for late round picks.

Lewis, Martin and Rutta are also examples of players that they may be able to sign for cheap (although its possible those players could go elsewhere for more or less). I do think they will opt to sign vets as opposed to bringing up youth, simply because the ELC bonuses can cause Vegas to pour over the salary cap and cause a penalty to them.

Let me know your thoughts about Vegas' precarious cap situation!

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