The Vegas Golden Knights are facing significant salary cap constraints as they attempt to secure a contract extension for restricted free agent forward Pavel Dorofeyev ahead of the 2026 offseason.
According to PuckPedia.
com, the team has approximately $4.625 million in projected cap space for next season, with nearly $100 million already committed to 15 players.
General manager Kelly McCrimmon has limited flexibility to fill the remaining roster spots and sign multiple pending free agents.
The cap situation will improve by $8.8 million once defenseman Alex Pietrangelo is placed on season-ending long-term injured reserve, raising available space to roughly $13 million.
However, those funds must also cover a new deal for defenseman Rasmus Andersson and other priorities.
Dorofeyev has elevated his market value during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, leading all NHL players with nine postseason goals after recording 37 goals in the regular season.
The 25-year-old winger scored five goals in the final three games of the second round against the Anaheim Ducks, including an overtime game-winner.
Teammate Ivan Barbashev praised Dorofeyev's shooting ability and positioning on the top power-play unit alongside Jack Eichel and Mitch Marner.
“Every time he scores, it looks like the perfect shot,” Barbashev said.
Head coach John Tortorella noted Dorofeyev’s growth into a reliable high-stakes player.
“It seems like he’s beginning to be a high-stakes player, scoring big goals at big times,” Tortorella said.
Contract Projections and Potential Trades
Analysts suggest Dorofeyev could command a contract worth $7.5 to $8.5 million annually, based on comparable deals like Jesper Bratt’s.
The rising salary cap and his playoff performance are expected to drive his value.
To create cap room, the Golden Knights may need to trade goaltender Adin Hill, who carries a $6.25 million cap hit and a 10-team no-trade clause.
Other unrestricted free agents include Reilly Smith, Brandon Saad, Colton Sissons, and Cole Smith.
Insider Gary Lawless said Dorofeyev likely wants to remain in Vegas due to the opportunity to play with elite centers like Eichel.
“He’s got an opportunity to play with very good centermen in Vegas,” Lawless said.
The team must also consider future extensions for core players Mark Stone, William Karlsson, and Nic Dowd, adding further pressure to the cap situation.
