David Pagnotta of TheFourthPeriod has stated that the three Golden Knights forwards won't be resigning.
"Here’s what we know so far: forwards Michael Amadio, William Carrier and Anthony Mantha will not be brought back. All three are aware and are planning to test the free agent market July 1. Defenceman Alec Martinez doesn’t appear to have a spot on the blueline any longer; he’ll be 37 in late-July and word is he’s evaluating his options."
Amadio has been with the Golden Knights since the 2021-22 season when he was claimed off of waivers from the Toronto Maple Leafs. In his Golden Knights career, he scored 41 goals and 72 points in 193 games. He was a key contributor in the Golden Knights bottom six and his versatility to play up the middle or on the wing was a valuable asset.
Out of the three players set to leave, the 28-year-old is the player the Golden Knights would probably like to keep the most.
Carrier has been a bottom-six contributor and a penalty-kill specialist with the Golden Knights for seven years but recently his injury struggles have kept him off the ice too often. The 29-year-old set a career-high in goals and points during the 2022-23 season but only played in 39 games this year scoring six goals and eight points.
The Canadian winger will likely receive an abundance of offers from teams looking to add speed in their bottom six.
Mantha was the first trade deadline move the Golden Knights made but he was never able to find his game in Vegas. Questions have always surrounded Mantha when referring to his work ethic and consistency and it became such a problem for HC Bruce Cassidy that he healthy scratched the forward for the final four games of the first round.
The 29-year-old has the physical tools with his 6'5 frame and the skillset to be a top-six winger but he is holding himself back. The Golden Knights can't afford to pay a player who can't assure the franchise he will give them 100% effort each and every night.
Martinez has had a wonderful career filled with multiple Stanley Cup triumphs and franchise-altering moments. Playoff teams who need help with their bottom pairings could use Martinez's leadership but if he decides to hang up the skates, he'll be remembered for his dedication and for being a great teammate.
The other two Golden Knights UFAs are Jonathan Marchessault and Chandler Stephenson. The Golden Knights are going to have discussions with Stephenson about an extension but if his price is too high they'll have to move on. It's been reported that the Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks, Nashville Predators, Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals will be interested in Stephenson if he hits the open market.
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