Daily Nuggets

Daily Nuggets: Golden Knights Signing Saad, Smith; Late-Night Blockbuster

Published

3 weeks ago

June 26, 2025

Vegas Golden Knights right wing Reilly Smith (19) celebrates with Nicolas Roy (10) after Smith scored a goal against the Nashville Predators during the third period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, March 29, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

Good morning, folks. Vegas Golden Knights General Manager Kelly McCrimmon was busy on Wednesday, re-signing two UFAs. First, he inked Reilly Smith to a one-year, extremely team-friendly contract. Hours later, Elliotte Friedman reported that winger Brandon Saad would be returning to Vegas as well, although the deal’s details are unknown.

Elsewhere in the Daily Nuggets, the Vancouver Canucks graciously helped a division rival out of an anchor contract. The Utah Mammoth took the Buffalo Sabres to the cleaners in a late-night JJ Peterka deal. The Bruins revealed new uniforms, and Jonathan Drouin will hit the market.

Golden Knights News

He’s baaaaack! On Wednesday, the Golden Knights signed Original Misfit Reilly Smith to a one-year extension worth just $2 million. Talk about team-friendly, eh? The deal includes a full No Trade Clause, which was probably the highest on Smith’s priority list. When the Golden Knights reacquired Smith at the Trade Deadline, no one was happier about it than him.

On Wednesday night, Elliotte Friedman tweeted: “Sounds like Brandon Saad will be returning to Vegas, too.”

Sounds like Brandon Saad will be returning to Vegas, too https://t.co/YzFrOEFfsu
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 26, 2025

Saad fit in well with the Golden Knights, scoring 14 points in 29 games despite seeing no power play time. The details are still unknown, but the Golden Knights’ re-signing Saad certainly lays the groundwork for an exciting few days.

NHL News, Rumors, & National Hockey Now

The Athletic ($): What in god’s name are the Vancouver Canucks doing? On Wednesday, they traded a 4th round pick to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Evander Kane. By taking on Kane’s full salary, they’re helping a division rival out of a tight jam– and they’re playing with money they can’t afford to lose.

Sportsnet: Not to be outdone, on Wednesday night, the Buffalo Sabres sent the highly-coveted JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth. In return, they received defenseman Michael Kesselring and forward Josh Doan.

I like Kesselring as much as– or more than– the next guy, but Peterka has real star potential. Sabres General Manager Kevyn Adams said it best: “I feel bad for our fans.” (Adams said this in regards to media members spreading misinformation, but the sentiment remains.)

New York Islanders Hockey Now: JJ Peterka is off the board, but the Isles still have two players and a draft pick as trade targets.

Colorado Hockey Now: Nothing is set in stone at this time of year, but it sounds like Jonathan Drouin will become a Free Agent on July 1st. The Avalanche would like to re-sign him, but they don’t have the salary cap or the roster spot to do so.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Erik Karlsson wants to win a Stanley Cup, and that isn’t happening with the Penguins. He’s no longer King Karl, but he’s still got it, and he’s headlining every offseason trade board. What is his value in 2025?

Florida Hockey Now: Welcome to the Hockey Hall of Fame, Jumbo Joe. Panthers alumni Joe Thornton got the call on Tuesday and will be inducted into the Hall on November 10th.

Boston Hockey Now: On Wednesday, the Bruins unveiled some sharp, new-look uniforms to usher in the next era.