The Vegas Golden Knights suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 overtime loss to the Edmonton Oilers, ending their bid for the 2025 Stanley Cup. As the offseason begins for the Golden Knights, the focus shifts to potential changes in the team’s lineup for the upcoming season.
Here are five Vegas Golden Knights players who may not be back for the 2025-26 season:
#5 Ilya Samsonov
Backup goaltender Ilya Samsonov could be on the way out this summer. As an impending free agent coming off a $1.8 million deal, the Golden Knights have Akira Schmid as a capable backup under contract for $875K next season. This could make Samsonov expendable unless the team sees Schmid as a better fit as the third-string goaltender.
#4 Brandon Saad
Brandon Saad, a valuable addition to the Golden Knights after being waived by the St. Louis Blues, may not return for the next season. With a $1.5 million cap hit, Vegas might look to use his salary to re-sign other key restricted free agents in the offseason.
#3 Tanner Pearson
Tanner Pearson, who signed a one-year, league-minimum deal with Vegas, contributed 27 points in 78 games in a bottom-six role. If Pearson is willing to return on a similar deal, he could stay with the team. However, if he seeks a raise, he may explore other options this summer.
#2 Victor Olofsson
Victor Olofsson proved to be a solid addition to the Golden Knights after joining from the Buffalo Sabres. With 29 points in 56 games, Olofsson provided speed and grit during the playoffs. At $1.075 million this season, he was a cost-effective option. If Olofsson is open to returning on a similar deal, he may stay, but a higher salary demand could lead him to seek opportunities elsewhere.
#1 Reilly Smith
Reilly Smith, acquired at the trade deadline, recorded 11 points in 21 regular-season games but struggled in the postseason with just three goals in 11 games. Coming off a three-year deal with a $5 million AAV, Smith may not fit into the Golden Knights’ future plans unless he accepts a pay cut for a short-term deal. With Smith likely seeking a multi-year contract, his time in Vegas could be coming to an end.
As the Golden Knights contemplate their roster adjustments for the next season, these five players may find themselves seeking new opportunities outside of Vegas.
