Interest in Chandler Stephenson is growing, which doesn’t bode well for the Vegas Golden Knights’ chances of keeping him at a lower cost.
According to Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman, the Boston Bruins are potential contenders for Stephenson if he becomes available, especially since they need a productive center after the retirements of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci.
David Pagnotta of Fourth Period also notes that the Bruins, Maple Leafs, and Nashville Predators are among the teams eyeing Stephenson, who has averaged 60 points per season over the last three years.
Stephenson’s representative is expected to talk to Golden Knights soon about what he would need to stay with the Golden Knights.
AFP Analytics is projecting Stephenson, 30, could get a five-year deal worth $5.6 million per season on the open market. If he has several suitors bidding aggressively, he could reach $6-plus million.
All of that is problematic for Vegas general manager Kelly McCrimmon. He officially has about $900,000 in cap space for next season with 20 players signed. However, he expects to have an additional $5 million from Robin Lehner having one more season on Long-Term Injured Reserve.
Don’t forget he has Jonathan Marchessault also unsigned and he can probably get $6 million on the open market.
With his current cap space, McCrimmon might not be able to sign either player, possibly necessitating player trades.
NHL teams can exceed the cap by 10% during the offseason, which could allow the Golden Knights to sign Marchessault and Stephenson and then make the necessary adjustments over the summer.
It seems unlikely that the Golden Knights will be able to re-sign Anthony Mantha, Alec Martinez, William Carrier, and Michael Amadio.
