NHL News: Golden Knights strengthen by re-signing two Stanley Cup champions while pursuing Mitch Marner

The Vegas Golden Knights want to return to being a competitive team in the 2025–26 NHL season and have secured two signings of former Stanley Cup champions who are key to strengthening their roster. At the same time, they continue to closely monitor the situation of upcoming free agent Mitch Marner.

Marner is very close to leaving the Toronto Maple Leafs as of July 1 and is looking for a franchise that can top the $10.9 million per year deal he had with the Canadian team. Vegas could be in that position, as NHL insider Nick Kypreos reports that they are preparing a big offer for the 28-year-old forward.

The report also mentioned that an aspect to watch closely is how expendable William Karlsson is to the Golden Knights, suggesting a possible space-clearing move. What is clear is that the Nevada franchise has secured two internal priorities by locking down two league champion stars.

Stanley Cup champions re-signed by Vegas

The players re-signed by the Golden Knights are none other than Brandon Saad and Reilly Smith, who have both agreed to new contracts with the franchise, according to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman. The 32-year-old forward, who arrived in early 2025 from the St. Louis Blues, signed a one-year deal. Smith, meanwhile, also agreed to a one-year extension that includes a no-trade clause.

Brandon Saad of the Vegas Golden Knights

Smith had been part of the Golden Knights since the franchise’s inception in 2017 and returned to Vegas in March 2025 after a brief stint with the New York Rangers. Together, he and Saad contributed 25 points last season, providing experienced presence on the roster.

see also

NHL News: Mitch Marner out of the Maple Leafs and reportedly with two strong options for his future

When did Saad and Smith win the NHL?

Saad is a two-time Stanley Cup champion, having won the Cup in 2013 and 2015 with the Chicago Blackhawks. In his first championship, he was part of the team that defeated the Boston Bruins in the finals, and in 2015, he made a significant contribution to the victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Smith, on the other hand, won the Stanley Cup in 2023 with the Golden Knights. His contribution was vital in that final, scoring the decisive goal in Game 5 against the Florida Panthers. Extending the contract of a historic and championship-winning player is great news for Vegas.