Analyst proposes solution to the Vegas Golden Knights' cap problems

The Vegas Golden Knights have a major issue. The trade between the team and the Anaheim Ducks that would have seen Vegas pick up the contract of retired player Ryan Kesler in order to gain some salary cap wiggle room has been officially voided by the NHL because of a no-trade clause in the contract of Evgenii Dadonov. Vegas is now stuck trying to figure out how to bring back some major names from injured reserve without going over the cap. If the team could wait until the playoffs, the cap wouldn't be an issue. However, the Golden Knights are dangerously close to missing the post-season for the first time in the team's existence, and players like Mark Stone, Max Pacioretty, Alec Martinez, and others are needed as quickly as possible. One analyst believes there's a fairly easy fix.

Nick Kypreos is suggesting that Vegas get in touch with the Montreal Canadiens immediately and swing a deal for the contract of defenceman Shea Weber. Weber has not played since the 2021 Stanley Cup final and it is widely expected he will never play again. Weber's contract carries a cap hit of $7.86 million for this season and another four after this one, which would give Vegas plenty of room to bring back some much needed players.

Kypreos suggests the Golden Knights give the Canadiens a first or second round draft pick for Weber's contract. Habs GM Kent Hughes admitted in his post-trade deadline news conference that the team had come very close to trading Weber last week. It's not clear what exactly what the Canadiens want in return, but the contract is a valuable asset to that team and anyone looking to acquire it.

While trades can take place after the deadline, any active players involved would not be able to play for their new teams in the playoffs. This isn't an issue for Montreal as the team won't make it to the post-season this year. Dadonov could still be involved in the trade to free up another $5 million for the Golden Knights if that's what it took to get the deal done. That said, Montreal would have to decide if the deal is worth having Dadonov on the payroll next season at a $5 million hit. His current contract would be done at the end of 2022-23. It would also have to be determined whether Montreal is on Dadonov's 10-team no-trade list. Hopefully before the trade takes place this time.

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