SEASON PREVIEW: The Vegas Golden Knights WON the summer by adding Mitch Marner; can they return to the Cup Final?

How will VGK replace 132 points from this past season?  It shouldn't be difficult with the addition of Mitch Marner.  Yes, some players had career seasons this past campaign, but with Marner and Jack Eichel in the lineup consistently, the stats should continue to improve.  Tony said it wouldn't be far-fetched to believe that Marner could have an 80+ assist season.  Plus, VGK will be putting more pucks on net this season than last with Cassidy's new offensive design.  There are reports Nic Hague turned down a trade to Calgary for Defenseman Rasmus Andersson because he didn't want to sign a long term deal.  And, Olofsson and Samsonov are still out there in free agency.

6 Jul 30min

The Golden Knights and Jack Eichel have started to sit down at the bargaining table as they try to hammer out a new contract extension.  Eichel's contract expires at the end of the upcoming season. Eichel has 253 points in 241 career games with VGK.  He is also an Olympian, member of USA's Four Nations team, and a Cup Champion.  His salary range is somewhere in the $12.5-$14 million range.  There is a report that VGK is looking to trade seventh defenseman Ben Hutton and it's WTF - What The Friday day!

4 Jul 30min

Welcome to the NHL Squad Show! Today our hosts Gil Martin (Locked On Islanders), Eddie Garcia (Locked On Kings, David Morassutti (Locked On Leafs) and Seth Toupal (Locked On Wild are here to talk about the big moves of free agency so far, including the Mitch Marner saga finally coming to an end, what the heck the LA Kings are doing, and where Nikolaj Ehlers is going to end up! Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now, new FanDuel customers can get $150 in Bonus Bets if your first $5 bet wins!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)

3 Jul 31min

Now that Mitch Marner is a member of the Golden Knights, does Kelly McCrimmon add more pieces around him?  Is VGK set at the wing positions with the addition of Marner?  What line will Marner start on? Does VGK need another offensive defenseman? Still some questions remain.  And by McCrimmon's body language, he doesn't seem overly happy that Akira Schmid is the backup goaltender.  If VGK invested in Marner long-term, they need to make sure every position is improved from last season.  We also talk about Kaeden Korczak's four-year extension and his increased role on this Golden Knights blueline.

3 Jul 30min

Mitch Marner met the Las Vegas media for the first time.  He said he is excited for the opportunity to play for a winning team.  He said he talked to Ryan Reaves and Max Pacioretty about the franchise and what it is like living in Las Vegas.  Kelly McCrimmon said Marner is one of the top players in the game today and said he was VGK's number one target in free agency.  We also talk about Alex Pietrangelo's health concerns with hip injuries he is headed to surgeries and will miss the next season at the least.  Kelly McCrimmon said he doesn't believe Pietrangelo will be back with the team for his final two seasons.  And, we talk about the VGK free agents signed and lost.

2 Jul 30min

The Golden Knights have acquired Mitch Marner via trade for VGK's Nic Roy.  The terms reported at 8 years @ $12-million for the right winger who scored 102 points last season.  He will team up with Jack Eichel either on the top line or the power play unit #1.  We talk about where Marner would slot in this upcoming season and if VGK has another move in store as Free Agency officially begins Tuesday.

30 Jun 22min

It's the 11th Hour as we head toward the start of the NHL Free Agency period on July 1.  VGK is closing in on signing Mitch Marner.  There could be a sign and trade as the Maple Leafs look to get something in return for Marner.  A report from Eliotte Friedman said that there could be tampering charges against VGK, so we are keeping an eye on that note.  Nic Hague was traded to Nashville late Sunday night in return for defenseman Jeremy Lauzon and center Colton Sissons. Hague was a RFA.  Lauzon and Sissons have one year remaining on their current contracts.  And, it appears Alex Pietrangelo will need multiple surgeries over the summer and is expected to miss the entire upcoming season. We should receive the official news from VGK soon.

30 Jun 30min

This should be a big weekend for VGK. Not that they will be active in the NHL Draft, but Free Agency begins officially next Tuesday and the Golden Knights need to add more pieces to their roster.  Of course, the big prize would be signing Mitch Marner, but VGK also has to sign some complimentary players.  One of the latest Golden Knight names to surface as a trade piece was Nic Roy.  We (take a wild) guess on VGK's Draft pick at #58.  The new CBA will officially be announced Friday morning.  And, it's WTF Day with fan comments.

27 Jun 30min