3 Vegas Golden Knights Not Expected Back Next Season

The Vegas Golden Knights will be an interesting team to watch this upcoming offseason as they seem to have salary cap issues each of the last few seasons. They're projected to have just over $4 million in available cap space this summer with plenty of holes to fill. There's going to be changes and it starts with these three players not expected back next season:

Laurent Brossoit

The experiment didn't really work as Laurent Brossoit couldn't stay healthy enough to dress. He's appeared in only 3 games this season after playing in 24 games in 2021-22. His numbers this season were amazing, it's just the unfortunate sample size.  Look for the 30-year-old netminder to try and land a 'show-me' contract this summer, however don't expect to be from the Golden Knights.

Ivan Barbashev

So far in 13 games as a Golden Knight, the 27-year-old Barbashev has recorded nine points. He's been impressive in the early stages in Vegas and looks like he'll be a big piece in their puzzle come Stanley Cup Playoffs. After that, don't expect to see Barbashev back on the Vegas strip as he's in line for a long-term massive contract and the Golden Knights have no room.

Phil Kessel

While the retirement rumors have popped their head out this season, it doesn't sound like that's a for sure, however it's very likely the Golden Knights move on from Kessel this summer. The NHL's iron man has been inconsistent at times this season, recording 13 goals in 72 games. It's tough because Kessel isn't suited for a third line checking role, however his game isn't top-six anymore. Wherever he signs this summer, expect it to be somewhere warm where Kessel can golf during the regular season.

Photo credit:  Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports