Golden Knights Wrap: We’re Back, NHL Blockbusters, and VGK Cap Space

Yawn- I’m back from vacation, what’d I miss? The Panthers did WHAT?

We’ll do a Vegas Golden Knights/NHL wrap today to get some content out and recap you all on what happened in the week that I was gone. But with my move to Nevada finally starting to feel comfortable, look out for much more content from VHN.

In the pipeline, I want to discuss the Golden Knight’s salary cap situation, their tendency to trade away star players for nothing, and what Kelly McCrimmon has left to do this offseason. I also plan on making a prospect pyramid with development camp now over and training camp not far from here. The dead part of the offseason will also bring about some fun little stories such as speculation on who would make the VGK’s all-time team, what jersey numbers should be retired, and ideas on a Golden Knights reverse retro jersey.

Now, let’s get into what I missed the week I was gone.

Vegas Golden Knights News

There’s not much here, as I thankfully picked a good week to go to the Colorado Rockies.

Trade Rumors: The Golden Knights were rumored to be in on Matthew Tkachuk, but that obviously didn’t pan out. More on him later.

Las Vegas Ballpark: The Las Vegas Raiders and Golden Knights teamed up to play in the Battle for Vegas charity baseball game that raised over $200,000 for local charities. Team Reilly Smith won 27-20 over Team Josh Jacobs.

Team Reilly Smith: 27
Team Josh Jacobs: 20

Put it in the books! #B4V22 pic.twitter.com/brTf513TvV

— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) July 19, 2022

City National: Development Camp wrapped up with Joe Fleming inking a contract with the organization. Fleming is a 19-year-old defenseman who was invited to development camp as an attendee and eventually working his way to a contract. Last season with the Cedar Rapids Roughriders, he scored two goals, 14 assists, and 16 points in 60 games played.

Henderson: The Henderson Silver Knights revealed their 2022-23 schedule.

RFA: Keegan Kolesar did not accept the Golden Knights qualifying offer and will head to arbitration on August 10th.

PTO: William Riedell, a 25-year-old defenseman, has signed a professional tryout with the Golden Knights. Riedell played last season with Ohio State before he joined the Leigh High Valley Phantoms of the AHL.

Road Trip: The Golden Knights announced the return of the VGK Road Trip, which will see the team travel to South Lake Tahoe, Boise, Missoula, and Salt Lake City, which will all feature preseason games.

Here’s where we’re at in the offseason calendar.

NHL News, Trades, and Free Agency

Free Agents Still Out There: Nazem Kadri, PK Subban, Phil Kessel, Patrice Bergeron, John Klingberg, Paul Stastny, Evan Rodrigues, Sonny Milano, Danton Heinen.

Florida/Calgary: I’m flabbergasted by the move the Florida Panthers made on Friday with the Flames regarding Matthew Tkachuk. We all knew Tkachuk was planning on leaving Calgary after fellow linemate Johnny Gaudreau also got out of dodge. But none of us were expecting this.

The Panthers traded all-time point, assist, and games played leader Jonathan Huberdeau as well as Mackenzie Weegar, prospect Cole Schwindt, and a lottery-protected first-round pick to the Flames for Matthew Tkachuk. Tkachuk then signed an eight-year $9.5 million contract (technically with the Flames) to remain a Panther for the future. This is one of the biggest trades in NHL history.

San Jose: The Sharks have a new head coach in David Quinn.

Pittsburgh: The Pittsburgh Penguins took a chance on Kasperi Kapanen after a disappointing season and re-signed him to a two-year deal.

Colorado: If Nazem Kadri goes, could Paul Stastny replace him in the Colorado Avalanche’s lineup?

Long Island: All crickets from the New York Islanders as they still have not signed a free agent. Could they be in on Jesse Puljujarvi?

Philly: They missed out on both Tkachuk and Gaudreau but got Tony DeAngelo instead. What are the Philadelphia Flyers doing?

Detroit: The Red Wings have signed defenseman Robert Hagg as Mark Pysyk has gone down with an offseason injury.

Montreal: Lastly, an amazing story involving Paul Byron and a plane crash.