5 Vegas Golden Knights players and personnel detrimental to retool roster after tough playoff exit ft. Kelly McCrimmon

The Vegas Golden Knights have a number of question marks surrounding the club following their unceremonious second-round exit at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers in the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs.

The Golden Knights have failed to recapture the magic that led them to a Stanley Cup championship in 2023.

That’s why this offseason is arguably the most crucial as the team looks to navigate a tight salary cap situation a several holes to fill in the lineup. So, here’s a look at five team members who could be detrimental to the Vegas Golden Knights’ roster retool this offseason.

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Five Vegas Golden Knights players and personnel detrimental to retool roster after tough playoff exit

#5 Nicolas Hague

Hague's name has surfaced in trade rumors this offseason - Source: Imagn

Nicolas Hague has been the subject of trade rumors this offseason amid his RFA status. The issue lies in the limited cap space the team has and the potentially lucrative contract Hague could command this summer.

The uncertainty surrounding Hague has tied the Vegas Golden Knights’ hands somewhat, as it’s unclear what the return for Hague’s rights could be. Additionally, trading Hague won’t clear cap space as he doesn’t have a contract at the moment.

If the Knights end up dealing Hague, they’ll lose a young blue liner who could step in a take over a top-pairing role at some point in the future.

#4 Adin Hill

Adin Hill has been relatively inconsistent since winning the Cup in 2023. He’s had solid runs and some tough stretches, leading observers to question the six-year, $37.5 million extension he got this season.

If Hill cannot live up to his extension, the Vegas Golden Knights could be stuck with a $6.25 million cap hit that might be difficult to move given Hill’s 10-team no-trade list.

The Golden Knights will be betting on Hill being the right man to handle the crease in Vegas as the team would not have the cap space to acquire another starting goaltender.

#3 Bruce Cassidy

Cassidy will need to get the most out of his team next season - Source: Imagn

Bruce Cassidy led the Vegas Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup in 2023. His influence on the team has made it a perennial playoff contender.

However, the Golden Knights have been unable to get over the hump since winning it all in 2023. While Vegas has been solid during the regular season, winning the Pacific Division this year, their lack of playoff success could call Cassidy’s role into question.

Cassidy doesn’t seem to be in the hot seat by any means. But he will be counted on to figure out how to get past the Western Conference powerhouses like the Edmonton Oilers and Dallas Stars if the Golden Knights are to get back to the Stanley Cup Final.

#2 Jack Eichel

Jack Eichel has been a terrific pickup for the Vegas Golden Knights since joining the team from Buffalo.

The issue at this point is Eichel’s contract. He signed an eight-year, $80 million deal in 2018 that's now in its final year. Eichel’s $10 million cap hit seemingly weighs a ton on the team’s cap, plus the prospect of re-signing Eichel is something else weighing heavily on the Golden Knights.

Given that Eichel will be a UFA next season, the decisions made this offseason will have a direct impact on what the team chooses to do with Eichel beyond this season.

#1 Kelly McCrimmon

McCrimmon will be under the microscope as he retools the team this offseason - Source: Imagn

Vegas GM Kelly McCrimmon has painted himself into a corner somewhat by maxing out the team’s cap, leaving little room for improvements or upgrades.

McCrimmon will be hard-pressed this offseason to make significant moves to help the Golden Knights get back into the thick of the Stanley Cup conversation.

That’s why the organization’s eyes will be on what McCrimmon is able to do to manage the salary cap and keep the team trending upward.