The Vegas Golden Knights should make the playoffs, but their newer acquisitions must come through as advertised in their first full year of many with Vegas, says Adam Proteau.

We’re approaching the dog days of summer, which means it’s time to continue THN.com’s popular Hot Seat Radar articles. In this series, moving team by team in reverse alphabetical order, we’re continuing with the Vegas Golden Knights.

The people in the "hot seat," in this case, aren't players who are at risk of getting traded, but they do face pressure to make a good impression in their first full season in Vegas. And the player in the "cold seat" brings enough value to the squad that he should stay on the team for a long time to come.

Golden Knights’ Hot Seat: Tomas Hertl, C, and Noah Hanifin, D

The Golden Knights went out late last season and made blockbuster deals for Hertl and Hanifin. After Hanifin agreed to a lucrative contract extension that pays him $7.35 million per season, the stakes have gotten much higher for the two newcomers. 

Hertl is signed through 2027-28 at a retained cap hit of nearly $6.75 million per year, making him Vegas’ third-highest-paid forward, while Hanifin’s salary – which also runs through 2027-28 – makes him the Golden Knights’ fourth-highest-paid player.

Vegas GM Kelly McCrimmon has earned his reputation as a manager who always pushes his group to achieve more than they did in the previous season. While that might mean trading away some veterans in moves that otherwise would surprise fans and media, it also keeps the aura around the team extremely competitive.

This is not to suggest Hanifin and Hertl are in imminent danger of being moved, but as relative newbies to the organization, they have to prove themselves worthy of the investment McCrimmon has made in them. If they falter, there will be legitimate questions as to the Golden Knights’ direction.

Golden Knights’ Cold Seat: Mark Stone, RW

Stone’s physical style of play has kept him on the sidelines for long stretches in recent years – but the 32-year-old winger is an integral part of Vegas’ success. With three years still to go on his contract that pays him an average annual value of $9.5 million, he’s locked into the Golden Knights’ plans to succeed now and for the foreseeable future.

Stone is a proven winner and Stanley Cup champion. Even if Vegas continues to push the envelope in terms of roster changes this coming season, they won't part ways with him. Stone’s no-movement clause ensures he can stay as long as his contract runs, and that means he’s going to continue to be a staple for the Golden Knights.

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