{"id":276419,"date":"2025-05-15T13:00:24","date_gmt":"2025-05-15T13:00:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/15\/5-vegas-golden-knights-players-who-may-not-return-next-season-feat-rielly-smith\/"},"modified":"2025-06-25T17:08:28","modified_gmt":"2025-06-25T17:08:28","slug":"5-vegas-golden-knights-players-who-may-not-return-next-season-feat-rielly-smith","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/15\/5-vegas-golden-knights-players-who-may-not-return-next-season-feat-rielly-smith\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Vegas Golden Knights players who may not return next season feat. Rielly Smith"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> [ad_1]<br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"article-content\" data-postid=\"4918099\" data-slug-id=\"2519158\">\n<div class=\"vidazoo-player-container\">\n<span class=\"vidazoo-close-btn  hidden \"><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/cmc-predictor\/v2\/cross-icon.png?w=40\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" alt=\"close\"\/><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/us\/nhl\/vegas-golden-knights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-is-sponsored=\"false\">Vegas Golden Knights<\/a> saw their bid for the 2025 Stanley Cup come to an end on Wednesday following a heartbreaking 1-0 overtime loss at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers.<\/p>\n<p>With the Golden Knights\u2019 offseason now ready to begin, attention turns to potential changes in the team\u2019s lineup for next season.<\/p>\n<p><template id=\"also-read-articles-template\"><\/p>\n<p><\/template><\/p>\n<p>So, here\u2019s a look at five Vegas Golden Knights players who may not be back for the 2025-26 season come this fall.<\/p>\n<h2>5 Vegas Golden Knights player who may not return in 2025-26<\/h2>\n<h3>#5 Ilya Samsonov<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"image\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"sk-app-thumbnail\" alt=\"Ilya Samsonov could be looking for a new team this summer - Source: Imagn\" src=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/25752649-1747311798.jpeg\"\/><img fetchpriority=\"high\" class=\"lazy-img\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" data-img=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/25752649-1747311798.jpeg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/25752649-1747311798.jpeg?w=190 190w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/25752649-1747311798.jpeg?w=720 720w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/25752649-1747311798.jpeg?w=640 640w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/25752649-1747311798.jpeg?w=1045 1045w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/25752649-1747311798.jpeg?w=1200 1200w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/25752649-1747311798.jpeg?w=1460 1460w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/25752649-1747311798.jpeg?w=1600 1600w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/25752649-1747311798.jpeg 1920w\" alt=\"Ilya Samsonov could be looking for a new team this summer - Source: Imagn\" data-img-low=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/25752649-1747311798.jpeg?w=640\" bad-src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,&lt;svg%20xmlns=%22http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%201920%201280%22&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;\"\/><figcaption>Ilya Samsonov could be looking for a new team this summer &#8211; Source: Imagn<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Backup goaltender Ilya Samsonov could be on the outside looking in this summer. He\u2019s an impending free agent and is coming off a $1.8 million deal this season. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/us\/nhl\/news-oilers-connor-mcdavid-sends-message-stuart-skinner-doubters-back-to-back-shoutout-games\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-is-sponsored=\"false\">Golden Knights<\/a> have Akira Schmid, who\u2019s a capable backup, under contract for $875K next season.<\/p>\n<p>As a result, Samsonov could become expendable this summer unless the Golden Knights feel that Schmid is better suited as the third-stringer in their depth chart.<\/p>\n<h3>#4 Brandon Saad<\/h3>\n<p>The 32-year-old was a welcome addition to the Vegas Golden Knights after being put on waivers by the St. Louis Blues earlier this year. He chipped in 14 points in 29 games for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/us\/nhl\/news-hc-bruce-cassidy-calls-golden-knights-players-takes-responsibility-prepare-team-do-or-die-game-5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-is-sponsored=\"false\">Golden Knights<\/a> during the regular season.<\/p>\n<p>However, Vegas may be ready to move on from Saad and use his $1.5 million cap hit to re-sign other key RFAs this summer.<\/p>\n<h3>#3 Tanner Pearson<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"image\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"sk-app-thumbnail\" alt=\"Tanner Pearson is a solid depth piece for the right price - Source: Imagn\" src=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/25898844-1747311840.jpeg\"\/><img class=\"lazy-img\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" data-img=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/25898844-1747311840.jpeg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/25898844-1747311840.jpeg?w=190 190w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/25898844-1747311840.jpeg?w=720 720w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/25898844-1747311840.jpeg?w=640 640w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/25898844-1747311840.jpeg?w=1045 1045w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/25898844-1747311840.jpeg?w=1200 1200w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/25898844-1747311840.jpeg?w=1460 1460w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/25898844-1747311840.jpeg?w=1600 1600w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/25898844-1747311840.jpeg 1920w\" alt=\"Tanner Pearson is a solid depth piece for the right price - Source: Imagn\" data-img-low=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/25898844-1747311840.jpeg?w=640\" bad-src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,&lt;svg%20xmlns=%22http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%201920%201280%22&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;\"\/><figcaption>Tanner Pearson is a solid depth piece for the right price &#8211; Source: Imagn<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Tanner Pearson signed a one-year, league-minimum deal with Vegas this offseason. He was a welcome addition to the team, pitching in 27 points in 78 games in a predominantly bottom-six role.<\/p>\n<p>If Pearson is willing to return next season on a similar deal, there\u2019s a good chance he stays. However, if he\u2019s looking for a raise, Pearson could get it elsewhere this summer.<\/p>\n<h3>#2 Victor Olofsson<\/h3>\n<p>Victor Olofsson was a solid addition to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/us\/nhl\/news-elliotte-friedman-sends-warning-edmonton-oilers-crucial-game-5-golden-knights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-is-sponsored=\"false\">Vegas Golden Knights<\/a> after leaving the Buffalo Sabres. He chipped in 29 points in 56 games this season.<\/p>\n<p>In the playoffs, Olofsson was a solid threat, adding speed and solid grit throughout Vegas\u2019 first two rounds.<\/p>\n<p>At $1.075 million this season, Olofsson was a cost-effective option. If he\u2019s willing to come back on a similar deal, he stays. Otherwise, Olofsson may have to look for another team in need of a reasonably priced middle-six forward.<\/p>\n<h3>#1 Reilly Smith<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"image\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"sk-app-thumbnail\" alt=\"Reilly Smith didn't have quite the impact Vegas would have hoped this postseason - Source: Imagn\" src=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/26129125-1747311879.jpeg\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazy-img\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" data-img=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/26129125-1747311879.jpeg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/26129125-1747311879.jpeg?w=190 190w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/26129125-1747311879.jpeg?w=720 720w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/26129125-1747311879.jpeg?w=640 640w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/26129125-1747311879.jpeg?w=1045 1045w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/26129125-1747311879.jpeg?w=1200 1200w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/26129125-1747311879.jpeg?w=1460 1460w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/26129125-1747311879.jpeg?w=1600 1600w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/26129125-1747311879.jpeg 1920w\" alt=\"Reilly Smith didn't have quite the impact Vegas would have hoped this postseason - Source: Imagn\" data-img-low=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/26129125-1747311879.jpeg?w=640\" bad-src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,&lt;svg%20xmlns=%22http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%201920%201280%22&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;\"\/><figcaption>Reilly Smith didn&#8217;t have quite the impact Vegas would have hoped this postseason &#8211; Source: Imagn<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Reilly Smith was a good trade deadline acquisition for the Golden Knights this season. He put up 11 points in 21 games during the regular season. However, his production dipped in the postseason, where he scored just three goals in 11 games.<\/p>\n<p>The 34-year-old is coming off a three-year deal with a $5 million AAV. If he\u2019s keen on getting a similar deal, it\u2019s unlikely he gets in Vegas. But if he\u2019s willing to take a pay cut, the Vegas Golden Knights could be willing to give him another short-term deal.<\/p>\n<p>Considering that Smith will be looking for one more multi-year deal, his days in Vegas could be over.<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-post-rating-widget\">\n<p><template id=\"post-rating-feedback-modal-template\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"post-rating-feedback-feedback-box\">\n<div class=\"post-rating-feedback-content\">\n<div class=\"post-rating-feedback-data\">\n<p>Why did you not like this content?<\/p>\n<p><textarea id=\"dislike-feedback-text\" rows=\"4\" placeholder=\"Please type your feedback...\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\n<button class=\"close\">Cancel<\/button><br \/>\n<button class=\"submit\">Submit<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/template><\/p>\n<div class=\"post-rating-widget-parent hidden\">\n<div class=\"rating-parent-container\">\n<div class=\"rating-content-holder\">\n<p>Was this article helpful?<\/p>\n<div class=\"post-rating-action-container\">\n<div class=\"like-container\">\n<button class=\"post-rating-like-button post-rating-button\" data-action=\"like\"><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"post-like-image post-rating-image\" src=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/like-articles\/upvote-icon-grey.svg\" height=\"20\" width=\"20\" alt=\"like selected\"\/><br \/>\n<\/button>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"dislike-container\">\n<button class=\"post-rating-dislike-button post-rating-button\" data-action=\"dislike\"><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"post-dis-like-image post-rating-image\" src=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/like-articles\/upvote-icon-grey.svg\" height=\"20\" width=\"20\" alt=\"avatar selected\"\/><br \/>\n<\/button>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\nThank You for feedback\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-author-info-parent\">\n<span class=\"about-the-author\">About the author<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"author-info-holder\">\n<div class=\"author-pic-holder\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"author-pic\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,&lt;svg width=\" height=\"100\"\/><rect width=\"100\" height=\"100\" style=\"fill:rgb(128, 128, 128);\"\/>&#8221; data-lazy=&#8221;https:\/\/keedag.sportskeeda.com\/user-pic\/2981390-1716632323-200.jpg?w=200&#8243;<br \/>\nalt=&#8221;Nestor Quixtan&#8221; height=&#8221;72&#8243; width=&#8221;72&#8243;&gt;\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-bio-detail-holder\">\n<div class=\"author-bio\">\n<p class=\"author-bio\" id=\"author-bio-text\">\nNestor is an NHL and MLB writer at Sportskeeda with over 10 years of experience. Growing up in Toronto, he became an avid Maple Leafs and Blue Jays fan, but also admires the New York Islanders and Los Angeles Dodgers for their dominance in the 80s. Holding an Economics and Education major, Nestor\u2019s passion for writing and sporting events led him to take up reporting about the sport professionally.<\/p>\n<p>Nestor credits the Leafs\u2019 playoff runs in the early &#8217;90s as having a lasting impact on him. His favorite players are Doug Gilmour and Mike Bossy, as he feels they were tough, talented leaders, while Pat Burns is his favorite coach of all time for always preaching a fast-paced game.<\/p>\n<p>Growing up in Canada, it was natural for Nestor to become interested in ice hockey and he played Minor Hockey as a teenager, which has given him a unique perspective on the sport. Nestor has mastered the art of how to best present facts and he also has a knack for knowing which sources can be trusted, and which can&#8217;t for stories.<\/p>\n<p>When he is not writing about Canada\u2019s national passion, Nestor enjoys running and hiking.\n<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"author-know-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/author\/nestor-quixta\" aria-label=\"Author know more\">Know More<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\n<span class=\"publisher-name\">Edited by Nestor Quixtan<\/span>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[ad_2]<br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/us\/nhl\/5-vegas-golden-knights-players-may-return-next-season-feat-rielly-smith\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[ad_1] The Vegas Golden Knights saw their bid for the 2025 Stanley Cup come to an end on Wednesday following a heartbreaking 1-0 overtime loss<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":276420,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[180],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/276419"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=276419"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/276419\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/276420"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=276419"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=276419"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=276419"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}