Identifying the Vegas Golden Knights players who will provide the best "bang for the buck" in the 2025-26 season requires considering their contracts, potential performance, and overall contribution to the team. Several players stand out as potential value assets.
Forwards
- Pavel Dorofeyev: Coming off a strong 2024-25 season where he led the team in goals (35), Dorofeyev could provide excellent value. He also had career highs in assists (17), points (52), power-play points (17), shots on goal (254), and ice time. Given increased responsibility and potential linemates like Tomas Hertl and Mark Stone, Dorofeyev could exceed his contract value.
- William Karlsson: As one of the original "misfits," Karlsson has a proven track record with the Golden Knights. While his fantasy projection for 2025-26 is around 54 points, his chemistry with linemates and contributions on the penalty kill add to his overall value.
- Brandon Saad: After the Golden Knights acquired Mitch Marner from the Toronto Maple Leafs, Saad returned on a team-friendly one-year deal for $2 million. He is a solid middle-six forward who contributes with forechecking and adds a physical presence.
- Reilly Smith: Smith, another original Golden Knight, also signed a one-year, $2 million extension. Known for his penalty-killing abilities and chemistry with Karlsson, Smith can provide value as a versatile forward.
Defensemen
- Kaedan Korczak: The Golden Knights are betting on Korczak, having signed him to a four-year extension with an average annual value of $3.25 million that begins in the 2026-27 season. With Alex Pietrangelo potentially stepping away from hockey due to health reasons, Korczak is expected to take on a bigger role. If he performs well, his contract could be a steal.
- Brayden McNabb: Known for his physical play, McNabb provides hits and blocks. With potential for increased offensive zone time, his assist numbers could rise.
Goaltending
- Adin Hill: Having signed a six-year extension with an average annual value of $6.25 million, Hill is the team's established starting goalie. While he had a rocky start to the 2024-2025 season, a strong performance can make him a valuable asset.
Other Considerations
- Rookies/Prospects: Keep an eye on prospects like Trevor Connelly and Christoffer Sedoff. If they can break into the lineup and perform well, they could provide significant value on their entry-level contracts.
Salary Cap Situation
The Golden Knights' salary cap situation is tight. According to Spotrac.com, the Golden Knights have a negative cap space of $-7,638,706. Puckpedia.com reports similar numbers, with a projected cap space of $-7,638,571. The NHL's salary cap is expected to increase to $95.5 million for the 2025-26 season. This will require the team to make strategic decisions to maximize the value they receive from each player.
Conclusion
Several Golden Knights players could provide excellent value for their contracts in the 2025-26 season. Pavel Dorofeyev, William Karlsson, Brandon Saad, and Reilly Smith offer potential on the forward lines, while Kaedan Korczak and Brayden McNabb could be valuable on defense. Adin Hill will need to provide solid goaltending to justify his contract. The Golden Knights will need these players to perform well to remain competitive, given their limited cap space.
