Vegas Golden Knights projections: Despite some warts, they look like a true contender

The Vegas Golden Knights enter the upcoming season projected as top contenders in the Pacific Division after reaching the Stanley Cup Final. Despite regular-season goaltending challenges, Vegas maintained elite possession metrics, giving the team an estimated 90 percent chance of returning to the playoffs.

Over the summer, Vegas made salary cap adjustments by trading winger Pavel Dorofeyev to the New York Rangers, who signed him to an $11 million salary. Vegas used the resulting cap relief to sign defenseman Rasmus Andersson through 2033 at an $8.5 million average annual value.