Report: Golden Knights to Make ‘Surprisingly Interesting’ Goaltending Decision

The Vegas Golden Knights are in a bit of a pickle. 

For what seems like the hundredth time, they have a goaltending controversy. Just last season, they seemingly ended those, at least for the foreseeable future. By re-signing Adin Hill to a six-year, $37.5 million contract, they committed to him as the goaltender of the present and the future. 

But when it comes to goaltenders, the Golden Knights just can’t help themselves. 

With Carter Hart joining the organization on a PTO, they have too many cooks in the kitchen. Hart isn’t eligible to play an NHL game until December 1st. But when that date comes, all signs point to that PTO turning into a contract. 

Elliotte Friedman commented on their situation in Thursday’s edition of his Written 32 Thoughts.

“Vegas will have a surprisingly interesting decision to make in goal,” wrote Friedman. “Akira Schmid is 4-0, coming off the bench for an injured Adin Hill as the Golden Knights became the first team to beat Carolina. When Hill is healthy and Carter Hart is eligible, will they carry three, make a move, or risk losing Schmid on waivers? He’s been excellent with his job on the line.”

Indeed, Akira Schmid has played well. He hasn’t yet lost in regulation through nine games over two seasons with the Golden Knights. He has a record of 6-0-1 and a .922 average save percentage. This season, Schmid struggled against the Boston Bruins; otherwise, he’s been near-perfect. But even after allowing two bad goals, he hunkered down for a regulation win. 

So, what happens on December 1st?

Well, the Golden Knights didn’t bring Carter Hart in with the intention of not playing him. And they committed $37.5 million to Adin Hill just last year. 

That makes Akira Schmid the odd man out. And, unless the Golden Knights plan on running a three-man rotation, that means they’ll, as Elliotte Friedman put it, risk losing Schmid to waivers.

If the Golden Knights place Schmid on waivers, someone will almost certainly claim him. NHL-caliber goaltenders are hard to find, and Schmid is in the final year of a $875,000 contract. 

I doubt the Golden Knights want to lose Schmid, but what’s the other option? Would they really carry three goalkeepers? Can they even afford to carry three goaltenders?

I guess we’ll all find out together.