Expect big changes following a rather noisy season in Las Vegas.
- Major changes are coming for the Vegas Golden Knights following a topsy turvy season that ended with the team finishing outside of the playoffs for the first time since its inaugural season in 2017.
NHL RUMOURS BY TEAM
- Rumours of a roster that isn't on the same page have begun to swirl. There is a belief that too many roster changes over the past few seasons may have hurt team chemistry and leadership.
- Quiet but growing rumblings point to a rift between Robin Lehner and the Golden Knights organization. Lehner shut himself down for the season after battling through multiple injuries, and was reportedly indignant about several quick pulls in must-win games. This story is believed to be still developing, but with 3 years remaining on his deal, it's a relationship that has to be patched up or ended via trade. Head Coach Peter DeBoer seemed to favour and show more support for backup Logan Thompson down the stretch.
- Of course, many will wonder about DeBoer's future with the team as well.
- Evgenii Dadonov's name will continue to swirl this offseason. After vetoing a trade to the Ducks in one of the strangest trade deadline mishaps in recent memory, he still poses a salary cap problem for the Golden Knights.
- Quiet but growing rumblings point to a rift between Robin Lehner and the Golden Knights organization. Lehner shut himself down for the season after battling through multiple injuries, and was reportedly indignant about several quick pulls in must-win games. This story is believed to be still developing, but with 3 years remaining on his deal, it's a relationship that has to be patched up or ended via trade. Head Coach Peter DeBoer seemed to favour and show more support for backup Logan Thompson down the stretch.
- There is a belief the Golden Knights would like to retain pending UFA winger Reilly Smith as well. That will most certainly require a big name to be traded out the door once again this offseason. Max Pacioretty and Jonathan Marchessault have seen their names in the rumour mill from time to time.
- But the friction between Lehner and the organization will most likely be front and center this offseason. Can the damage done be repaired, or at least papered over until an ideal solution for all parties becomes available? It looks like another chaotic offseason is ahead for the Golden Knights, who have their work cut out for them on several fronts.
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NHL RUMOURS BY TEAM