The Vegas Golden Knights have opened up a little bit of cap flexibility, but it comes at the cost of a top forward. According to CapFriendly, Max Pacioretty has been moved to long-term injured reserve after originally being placed on normal injured reserve after suffering a lower-body fracture earlier this month.
That means Pacioretty will be out at least ten games and 24 days, but also adds an additional $7MM to the team’s long-term relief pool. Previously, the team Alex Tuch and Jake Bischoff on LTIR creating $5.47MM in relief, almost all of which had been used up. The Golden Knights wouldn’t have had enough space left to even recall a 23rd player, but now can operate freely with Pacioretty moved to LTIR, bringing up an extra player, or acquiring someone through trade.
Still, it guarantees that they’ll be without a top offensive option for the next little while. Pacioretty led all Golden Knights in goals last season with 24 and scored twice in his season debut this year. Vegas has had trouble scoring in his absence and were even shut out last night by the New York Islanders. The team now finds themselves last in the Pacific Division with a 1-4 record, certainly not what anyone expected.
Time to go get Phil the Thrill.