Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Akira Schmid (40) looks on during the second period against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Holmes-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/f6eac4ab-037f-4eb2-8628-ca33b78f6da6.jpeg] Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Akira Schmid (40) looks on during the second period against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Holmes-Imagn Images The Vegas Golden Knights currently head into the offseason with Adin Hill and Akira Schmid under contract as Ilya Samsonov prepares for his second offseason as an unrestricted free agent. Samsonov was unimpressive in his first season with the Golden Knights, posting a .891 SP and a 2.82 GAA in 29 starts. He posted a positive record, going 16-9-4, but when he was in the crease, the Golden Knights lacked the security they grew accustomed to receiving from Logan Thompson. Coincidentally, they felt that security when Schmid was in between the pipes. In five games, the 25-year-old posted a .944 SP and a 1.26 GAA, starting three of those five games and winning two. His success in the NHL came as a surprise. When the Golden Knights acquired Schmid and Alexander Holtz from the New Jersey Devils [http://thn.com/newjersey], they planned on playing him in the AHL [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vegas-golden-knights/latest-news/golden-knights-looking-to-add-backup-goaltender-despite-akira-schmid-trade]. Schmid played most of the season with the Henderson Silver Knights, throwing up unenthusiastic numbers. His .886 SP and 3.58 GAA in 30 games were well off the numbers that top goaltending prospect Carl Lindbom [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vegas-golden-knights/silver-knights-goaltender-carl-lindbom-bolsters-rookie-campaign-with-10-wins-in-last-11-appearances] registered. It's difficult to draw conclusions about a goaltender after just one season, but Schmid, at times, has shown he can be a dependable goaltender. In the 2022-23 season, Schmid recorded a .922 SP in 18 games. The Golden Knights are hoping to make a splash in the offseason and need to cut costs in several areas. One way to do so is to bank on players earning cost-efficient contracts like Schmid. He's under contract for the 2025-26 season at just $875,000 and will remain a restricted free agent when the contract expires. With a 6'5 frame, Schmid has the physical tools for a modern-day NHL goaltender, but putting it all together consistently has been the issue, similar to what's been said about Samsonov throughout his career. Utilizing Schmid as a backup goaltender has its benefits. It allows the organization more freedom in free agency, and it grants Lindbom, as well as Cameron Whitehead [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vegas-golden-knights/golden-knights-sign-goaltender-to-entry-level-contract], the freedom to serve as the goaltender tandem in the AHL. It does come with its fair share of risks. If Schmid struggles and Hill suffers an injury, the Golden Knights will be left in an unfavorable situation. If the Golden Knights are serious about their pursuit of Mitch Marner, utilizing Schmid as the backup goaltender is well worth the risk. A classic high-risk, high-reward situation. Stay updated with the most interesting Golden Knights stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favourites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwiNvfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] to never miss a story. Mitch Marner and Golden Knights Situation Becoming Clearer As Free Agent Window Approaches [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/85d8f389-07ce-4b5d-a2f2-ea820cfab367.webp] Mitch Marner and Golden Knights Situation Becoming Clearer As Free Agent Window Approaches Mitch Marner becomes eligible to sign with any team on July. 1 and as the free agency window approaches, the situation revolving around the most sought-after free agent and the Vegas Golden Knights has become clearer. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vegas-golden-knights/latest-news/mitch-marner-and-golden-knights-situation-becoming-clearer-as-free-agent-window-approaches]
