Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Zach Whitecloud (left) celebrates with right wing Victor Olofsson (center) and defenseman Nicolas Hague (14) after scoring a goal against the San Jose Sharks during the first period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/d9309a88-9844-4a3a-826e-ddaba42f024c.jpeg] Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Zach Whitecloud (left) celebrates with right wing Victor Olofsson (center) and defenseman Nicolas Hague (14) after scoring a goal against the San Jose Sharks during the first period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images The Vegas Golden Knights are heading into the playoffs with an abundance of confidence, winning the Pacific Division and ranking second in the Western Conference. Although most of the team is under contract beyond this season, some are not, and that could bode well for the Golden Knights. Throughout the season, GM Kelly McCrimmon has handed out contracts to Shea Theodore [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vegas-golden-knights/csMZLcgayKatAYqbFNJU], Brayden McNabb [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vegas-golden-knights/breaking-golden-knights-sign-brayden-mcnabb-to-three-year-extension], Brett Howden [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vegas-golden-knights/golden-knights-sign-forward-from-2023-stanley-cup-squad-to-five-year-extension], Keegan Kolesar [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vegas-golden-knights/golden-knights-sign-forward-to-three-year-extension] and Adin Hill [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vegas-golden-knights/latest-news/golden-knights-sign-adin-hill-to-a-six-year-extension], ensuring they remain with the team beyond this season. Despite signing five pending UFAs, the Golden Knights still head into the playoffs with players not under contract for next season. Those players include UFAs Reilly Smith [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vegas-golden-knights/MzvlY5zEOpwDufF4RoBP?backLinkUrl=%2Fbbs%2Fvegas-golden-knights%2Fsearch%2Fposts%3Fq%3Dreilly%2520smith%26sortBy%3DpublishTime%26range%3DallTime&backLinkLabel=Back%20to%20search%20results], Victor Olofsson [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vegas-golden-knights/golden-knights-bring-victor-olofsson-to-vegas-on-one-year-deal], Brandon Saad [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vegas-golden-knights/latest-news/report-golden-knights-sign-forward-brandon-saad-to-a-one-year-1-5m-contract], Tanner Pearson [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vegas-golden-knights/latest-news/golden-knights-sign-pto-forward-to-a-one-year-contract], Ilya Samsonov [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vegas-golden-knights/players/report-golden-knights-find-their-backup-goaltender-in-ilya-samsonov] and Group-6 UFA Jonas Rondbjerg [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vegas-golden-knights/latest-news/golden-knights-forward-could-lose-restricted-free-agent-rights-if-he-doesnt-meet-total-game-requirement]. The pending RFAs include Nicolas Hague, Alexander Holtz and Cole Schwindt. Contract talks can be a distraction for some players, thinking they have to be perfect to maximize the money they can earn on their next contract. For some, it's motivation to work hard and play better, and for others, it has no effect on their performance as they believe everything will work out. For RFAs the pressure is lighter, the team has more control of what happens with them, and they are more than likely to work something out. For UFAs, they have more control over where they end up, but if a contending team isn't interested, they could find themselves on a bottom-feeder playing meaningless hockey. Playoff performances can earn players extra money on their contracts, as it's done with Chandler Stephenson or Michael Amadio. If the Golden Knights are going to go on a long run, they'll need contributions from these players. 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. Five Golden Knights Players Return To Practice [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/093d0961-bdbe-4bd6-aa7f-9f51f3185ff2.jpeg] Five Golden Knights Players Return To Practice Jack Eichel, Alex Pietrangelo, Nicolas Hague, Victor Olofsson and Ilya Samsonov all returned to the Vegas Golden Knights' practice today. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vegas-golden-knights/latest-news/five-golden-knights-players-return-to-practice]
