Vegas Has Just $4.625 Million in Cap Space and It's Already a Crisis For Next Season

WHOA, hold up, can we even breathe after the Carolina Hurricanes just hoisted the 2026 Stanley Cup? Seriously, what a series! But before the celebratory champagne even settles, those brainiacs over at ESPN are already dropping their "way-too-early" NHL Power Rankings for the 2026-27 season. And trust me, the takes are hot, especially when you look at a certain team we love to watch squirm.

Champions and Shakes-Ups!

First off, massive congrats to the Canes, they totally earned that Cup! They're sitting pretty at #1 in these early rankings, looking like they're well positioned for more success. But even champions have offseason homework to do: star goalie Frederik Andersen is a UFA, and defenseman Alexander Nikishin is an RFA. They've got close to $12 million in cap space to make some moves. Then there's the Colorado Avalanche, sliding in at #2. Major shake-up alert! GM Chris MacFarland jetted to the Predators, and Joe Sakic is retaking the reins. Their forward corps looks solid, but the defense is "in flux." Cale Makar, their stud, is eligible for a contract extension, and get ready for a significant raise on that $9 million AAV. He's one of only four blueliners from their 2026 playoff roster currently under contract. Yikes!

High-Stakes Contracts and a Cap Crunch?

Speaking of yikes, the Dallas Stars at #3 have their own massive headache brewing: Jason Robertson. This 26-year-old phenom, a restric

Trade on Every Game with Kalshi

Click Here to sign up to Kalshi — Free $10 when you sign up using our link or use code: ONTAPSEA. The only federally regulated prediction market in the US. Trade on real sports outcomes. Available in all 50 states.

ted free agent whose prior deal paid him $7.75 million, just dropped 45 goals and a ridiculous 96 points in 2025-26. That's an insane 155 goals and 365 points over his past four seasons! Those negotiations are gonna be absolutely wild. The Montreal Canadiens (#4) surprised everyone with a trip to the Eastern Conference finals. They're looking at new deals for RFAs Joseph Veleno, Kirby Dach, Zack Bolduc, and Arber Xhekaj, plus some veteran help. And the Buffalo Sabres (#5)? What a story! From the longest playoff drought to almost the Eastern Conference finals. Their big question: re-signing star free agent Alex Tuch, a top market player. They also need new deals for RFAs Peyton Krebs, Zach Benson, and Michael Kesselring, all with about $12 million in cap room. But let's be real, the real drama for us is at #6: the Vegas Golden Knights. You've heard this before, right? These guys are *already* in a cap crunch for next season! They've got a measly $4.625 million in space. After finishing #15 last season, and now staring down this financial black hole, you gotta wonder how they plan to pull off their usual roster magic. Good luck with that, Vegas. So yeah, the Stanley Cup just got handed out, but the drama for 2026-27 is already hitting DEFCON 1. With the NHL draft kicking off June 26-27 and free agency opening July 1, the next few weeks are gonna be absolutely bananas. Get ready to grab your popcorn, Seattle, because this offseason is going to set the stage for one wild, unpredictable ride into the next season!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.