Here’s what we know so far: forwards Michael Amadio, William Carrier and Anthony Mantha will not be brought back. All three are aware and are planning to test the free agent market July 1. Defenceman Alec Martinez doesn’t appear to have a spot on the blueline any longer; he’ll be 37 in late-July and word is he’s evaluating his options.
Additionally, versatile forward Chandler Stephenson will be a hot commodity this summer if he goes unsigned. As I reported in Saturday’s column, Stephenson’s camp and the Golden Knights are going to speak in the next week or two and go from there. If he prices himself out of Vegas, like many expect, he’ll draw a ton of interest and I suspect teams like Boston, Vancouver, Toronto, Washington, Carolina, Nashville and several others will pick up the phone.
Regarding Marchessault
The Golden Knights want to keep him, that is the clear message they have relayed publicly. And while the conversation hasn’t started yet, my understanding is they plan to begin those talks within the next one-to-two weeks – much like with Stephenson
by friskyjude
7 Comments
Stephenson is the really interesting one if they bring him back. No doubt he knows Stone better than anybody else, but man the Center spot down the middle is crowded, and he wasn’t always the best on the wing.
Sad to see Ammo & Carrier go. Another former misfit leaves the team, and for a waiver claim, Ammo was a great pickup who carved himself a nice place on this team. Unfortunately, can’t keep everybody. Carrier’s physical play might be catching up to him as he starts to age, and Ammo should get good looks as a depth veteran guy with Cup winning experience^^TM
Hurts to see Carrier go. One of my favorite players this whole time. Glad he was able to get a cup before he left though.
Mantha never should have been acquired imo. Now that was a waste of a draft pick.
Carrier is understandable. While i like the player, injuries will be a concern with him going forward.
While they may talk with Stephenson, i doubt they make a significant push to try to re-sign him.
Marchy is the only current ufa that they should sign. But this is Vegas, so who knows.
Curious what Martinez will do. Does he sign with another team or does he retire? If he does retire, i wonder if he signs a one day contract with the Kings and retire as a King?
I’d rather keep Ammo over Stephenson tbh. Marchy comes back 100%
Mantha sucks, super bummed about Amadio and Carrier but that’s hockey. Damn.
I’m surprised people are saying Marchessault over Stephenson.
Stephenson is younger and frankly almost as good and will likely sign for a much cheaper price tag. Marchessault is an OG Knight, but sometimes the best roster moves are not fan favourite decisions, like with Fleury.
Rather keep Amadio and Carrier over Stephenson just due to the cost unless he signs for cheap. Always liked carrier since year 1 and will be sad to see him go.