The Vegas Golden Knights have been put in a tough spot on the eve of the new season.
After suffering a couple of injuries against the San Jose Sharks and the Colorado Avalanche, Vegas has since made it clear that one man will play no part this year.
Reports surfaced that Vegas placed Alex Pietrangelo on the shelf for the entire season. While the Golden Knights search for answers to their depleted blue line, fans across the NHL have raised serious questions about the timing and legitimacy of the move.
Why Are Fans Questioning The Golden Knights’ Latest Decision?
The Golden Knights have long danced dangerously close to the salary cap ceiling. This season, Vegas found itself $7.638 million over the cap, creating a major problem. The only solution to avoid league penalties was placing players on long-term injured reserve to gain cap relief.
Pietrangelo, who signed a seven-year, $61.6 million contract with an annual salary cap hit of $8.8 million, is caught in this web. League insider Elliotte Friedman broke the news on October 7 that Pietrangelo will not suit up for the franchise this season.
“In submitting their Opening Day roster, Vegas declared future Hall of Famer Alex Pietrangelo out for the season and playoffs. The Golden Knights are eligible for full cap relief,” Friedman posted.
The announcement gives Vegas the financial flexibility it desperately needed. But the timing raised red flags among fans.
One supporter noted that Vegas now has the financial room to make moves. “They can finally get Rasmus Andersson,” one fan tweeted.
They can finally get Rasmus Andersson
— Caleb Herrera (@calebherrera_) October 7, 2025
With $8.8 million in freed cap space, the franchise quickly managed to get back within the salary cap of $95.5 million. Meanwhile, another fan believes that Vegas has been cheating the system. They wrote, “They found a way to play the system; I know it but can’t prove it.”
They found a way to play the system, I know it but can’t prove it pic.twitter.com/QFSXVatto2
— Dylan Sawyer (@DylanSawyer123) October 7, 2025
Many fans share this sentiment, thinking that even if Pietrangelo could return mid-season, Vegas kept him on the shelf to avoid penalties. On the other hand, some fans speculated that this was a move to eventually acquire Sidney Crosby from the Penguins.
they’re going to get Sid aren’t they…
— Aydan (@beleafalways) October 7, 2025
“They’re going to get Sid, aren’t they?” wrote one fan. But while few believe this is a strategy to bring in Crosby, the Golden Knights have $1.16 million in cap space, which in and of itself will disqualify any potential pursuit for the three-time Stanley Cup champion.
Rasmuss Anderson to Vegas https://t.co/zLjkGhnNlP
— You can’t hurt me, I root for Dallas sports teams (@Deshaunbh) October 7, 2025
However, many fans continue to think that this move is simply to bring Rasmus Andersson to Sin City, as the D-man is already in his last year with the Calgary Flames.
A mid-season trade for Andersson could very well be possible for the Golden Knights if the franchise continues to struggle in the regular season. For now, Vegas will have all eyes on the season opener against the Los Angeles Kings on October 8.
