Recapping the Golden Knights’ Moves on Day 1 of Free Agency

The first day of NHL free agency was productive for the Vegas Golden Knights, even if it wasn’t flashy. While General Manager Kelly McCrimmon spent most of the day reinforcing Vegas’ depth with a wave of affordable contracts, he also secured one of the newest cornerstone players by signing defenseman Rasmus Andersson to a long-term extension. McCrimmon also re-signed defenseman Jeremy Lauzon to a long-term extension. These moves indicate that the front office is focused on strengthening both the present and the future.

After entering free agency with limited cap space and much of their core already in place, management agreed to terms with 11 free agents, including seven forwards and four defensemen. The team has roughly -$8.67 million in cap space, but that will be mitigated when Alex Pietrangelo is returned to long-term injured reserve, as mentioned in Wednesday afternoon’s press conference.

Andersson and Lauzon Locked Up

While the Golden Knights announced a flurry of free-agent signings throughout the day, the team’s biggest moves were re-signing Andersson and Lauzon to long-term deals. Andersson, acquired on Jan. 18 from the Calgary Flames, became a key member of the Golden Knights’ defense last season.

He is a dependable two-way player capable of logging heavy minutes in all situations. He became a reliable presence on a blue line that has consistently been one of the team’s greatest strengths. Andersson signed a seven-year extension with an $8.5 million cap hit per season.

Lauzon’s extension didn’t generate quite the same attention, but it was just as important to the organization’s overall vision. The physical, stay-at-home defenseman brings size, penalty-killing ability, and a style of play that complements Vegas’ offensively inclined blueliners. He provides defensive depth while ensuring another reliable defenseman remains on the roster. Lauzon signed a six-year extension with a $4 million average annual value (signed on June 30, announced on July 1).

Golden Knights Reinforce Forward Depth

Vegas also signed seven forwards: Jakub Demek, Joe Fleming, Marc Gatcomb, Tanner Laczynski, Raphael Lavoie, Victor Olofsson, and Jonas Rondbjerg. The biggest name here is Olofsson, who returns after stints with the Colorado Avalanche and Calgary Flames last season. He provided secondary scoring for the Golden Knights in 2024-25, and his familiarity with the organization makes him one of the few additions with a realistic chance to earn a regular NHL role out of training camp. Olofsson signed a one-year deal to return to Vegas with a cap hit of $1.63 million.

Laczynski gives the organization another dependable option down the middle after an impressive season with the team’s American Hockey League affiliate, Henderson Silver Knights. His ability to move up and down the lineup makes him an ideal depth forward capable of filling in when injuries arise. He signed a three-year contract with an average annual value of $2.7 million (signed on June 30, announced on July 1).

Rondbjerg’s extension provides additional stability. Although he has spent much of his professional career bouncing between Henderson and Vegas, he understands the Golden Knights’ system and has consistently answered the call whenever the NHL club has needed reinforcements. Rondjberg signed a one-year extension with a cap hit of $850,000.

Meanwhile, Demek, Gatcomb, Fleming, and Lavoie further strengthen the organization’s pipeline. Whether they spend most of next season in Henderson or compete for occasional NHL opportunities, these players will provide competition during training camp and give the Golden Knights experienced options if injuries pile up. Demek and Fleming each signed one-year extensions with a cap hit of $850,000, while Gatcomb signed a two-year contract with an $850,000 cap hit. At the time of writing, no contract information had been released for Lavoie.

Vegas Solidifies Blue Line Depth

Vegas also addressed its defensive depth by signing Dylan Coghlan, Adam Ginning, Ville Heinola, and Antti Tuomisto. Coghlan is perhaps the most recognizable name. He returned to the Golden Knights last season after stints with the Carolina Hurricanes and Winnipeg Jets organizations. Coghlan knows the Golden Knights’ system and offers offensive upside from the back end. He signed a two-year, one-way contract extension with an average annual value of $875,000.

Once considered a top Winnipeg Jets prospect, Heinola will have an opportunity to re-establish himself with a new organization and could become a valuable depth option throughout the season. Heinola signed a one-year contract with a cap hit of $850,000.

Ginning and Tuomisto bring additional size and defensive reliability. They were each signed to two-year contracts; however, at the time of writing, the terms had not yet been announced.

Some might wonder why the Golden Knights didn’t chase bigger names on the first day of free agency, but their priorities were clear. They secured two key defensemen long-term, strengthened their depth and preserved the flexibility to make additional moves if needed. It wasn’t the flashiest day around the NHL, but it was a success.