Vegas Golden Knights set up a dramatic goalie shakeup as Carl Lindbom is poised to become the new backup, with Akira Schmid traded to the Florida Panthers and Adin Hill’s future uncertain amid trade rumors. Is the goaltending reset the key to the next Cup run, or will Hill’s contract and declining numbers hold the team back?
Chris Gawlik and Tony Dasco break down the Golden Knights’ cap crunch, free agency targets like Boone Jenner and Vladimir Tarasenko, and the ripple effects on the roster as RFA decisions and prospect promotions loom large. With Ryan Craig and Joel Ward taking on new coaching roles and Kelly McCrimmon’s comments fueling speculation, Vegas fans are left to wonder: Can VGK’s front office find the right formula amid an aging free agent pool and mounting salary cap pressures?
Odoo
Today’s episode is brought to you by Odoo ( OH – DO ). Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at Odoo Dot Com Slash lockedon. That’s O D O O dot com slash lockedon.
FanDuel
Today’s episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The biggest stage in world soccer is here, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit FANDUEL DOT COM to get started now.
Gametime
Today’s episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.
Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…
🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOGoldenKnights?sid=YouTube
Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More
🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL
#VGK #GoldenKnightsHockey #nhlhockeyislife
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Decagon
Ready to transform your customer support? Go to decagon.ai/LOCKEDONNHL to get a personalized demo and see what Decagon can do for your team.
FanDuel
Today’s episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
Files
Choose a file
I think there is a lot more at play here. Injury aside, Hill didn't want to play for Bruce. While that is not ok, if there is a better mentallity in the room, I think he plays better
Interestingly, we do not talk about the team in front of Hill
Get Corey Perry and you’ll be guaranteed to get to the Cup Final again but unfortunately lose.
So far we've lost an amazing player and a good one. Not looking good this off-season at this point.
Akira led team with 16 Wins another bad trade he would have easily won of played over carolina as was 2 0. Knights will make awful Hill for Helly trade is my fear as seems team is finished. Draft picks in 2026 or 2029 wont help as rangers 2028 is top 10 protected. Current GM not drafted a single player so maybe can get Welcome Back Cotter as often best player on line for Devils. I see a top 5 pick or winning draft lottery to get real franchise star player. Eichel closed window of players wanting to play for Vegas. Marner was mostly bust had no chemistry with Jack but won more faceoffs it seems. I think Knights are just going to make another bad trade like when got Broken Hertl or Rasmus or Tatar or Max.
wait….florida didn't want Adin Hill and his gazillion dollar contract that goes until 2030? I am stunned!
I would take a flyer on Bobby Brink, I like his game. Btw, Dasco, all 5 guys did not receive “offer sheets” yesterday.
The Hart/Hill combo has an 8.25M cap hit. That is within the normal range. However, when you also have a Marner, Eichel, Stone, and possibly a few overpriced ex Flames Dmen, that leaves little room to acquire disgruntled American olympians.
The VGK don’t want cap space sitting on the bench, they want it on the ice.
Aiden Hill I’m sorry to say has lost his Mojo. Trade him. IMO.
The Schmid trade does nothing for clearing cap space. Hill is the guy you had to move.
Hillzy had his chance to come back. Team #10 will be even MORE different than Team#7 which was Bruce's identity and game. Remember? "It hurts to win" means its a Team who blocks shots? See, that is the reason it worked out for us 3 seasons ago when they won the Cup. Guys blocked shots, players bought into Cassidy's play. That system is gone now. No one wants to sacrifice themselves and this renders Akira, Hill and Lindblom all useless. Not because they are bad goalies but because our players and system requires them to actually be, a Goalie. Side note – DO NOT SIGN RAS!!!!!
I don't like any of the free agents available, and I don't see anyone who would make this team significantly better. Just focus on moving hill and hertl if there's any interest. Three contracts come off the books after next season, which should leave plenty of cap space. Imagine if they can move hill and hertl then resign stone and karlsson to team friendly hometown deals. That would put them in a great position to make a serious run at mcdavid or matthews if one ever becomes available.