Reports say VGK could be the frontrunner for Mitch Marner. But there has also been word that Marner could seek a two-year deal due to the rising cap, in the vicinity of $12-14 million. Reports say Marker will likely sign with VGK, LA or Dallas. Is Akira Schmid the #2 goalie heading into next season? Our Chris Gawlik hears that Schmid has the backup goalie position heading into the season all but secured. Ilya Samsonov is said not to be coming back to VGK. We also tell you about VGK preseason schedule.

Adin Hill was at the bottom of the NHL playoff rankings winning 5 of 11 games and allowing 33 goals. His save percentage was .887 andhis goals against was 2.93. His numbers were worse vs the Oilers. We also wonder if VGK is in the mix to pickup veteran center Jonathan Toews through free agency. Toews, 37, has been out of the game for a couple of seasons suffering from complications of COVID. And, we have our WTF feature.

Welcome to the NHL Squad Show! Today our hosts Gil Martin (Locked On Islanders), Seth Toupal (Locked On Wild), David Morassutti (Locked On Leafs) and Zach Martin (Locked On Hurricanes) are here to talk about why the playoffs are lasting so long, how to fix that, whether the NHL will finally close the LTIR loophole some teams have been using, and what to make of the early Olympics roster announcements!

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Were the Oilers in compliance with the handling of the LTIR salary cap with Evander Kane? The NHL is investigating the team currently. Kane returned for Game 2 in the first round versus the L.A. Kings after his doctors cleared him. He had a multitude of injuries and surgeries starting in September of last year. It took Kane a while to recover from those injuries. He was on the ice around the time of the 4 Nations. No team has ever been punished for LTIR usage due to the loopholes that exist under the current CBA. We also have odds to win next year's Stanley Cup and key dates for VGK fans.

The Florida Panthers are now among the NHL elite, repeating as Cup Champions. They defeated the Western Conference champs, Edmonton, 4 games to 2. The Panthers have been to the Cup Final three straight years, losing to VGK in 2023. But they captured the Cup the last two seasons. Sam Bennett won the Conn Smythe with 15 goals and 22 points. Former Golden Knights Nate Schmidt and Tomas Nosek are first-time Cup champions. We also discuss if there should be a post-season salary cap. And the list of NHL All-Stars are announced.

Our Tony Cordasco called it a "seminal moment for VGK," saying the Golden Knights have to figure out a way to sign Mitch Marner during free agency. Both hosts believe it is important for VGK to add another superstar to its top six. We have the latest from the Marner Mill. We believe VGK has to do whatever it can to sign Marner. There are several reports circulating that say VGK would be the best fit. If Marner goes to another Pacific Division team, it wouldn't bode well for the Golden Knights. Jack Eichel was named to Team USA for the Milan Olympics Monday. He was among the First Six players named for each participating country. VGK reserve Jonas Rondbjorg was named to the Denmark Olympic Team. And, we preview Game 6 of the Cup Finals.

Marner Monday notes, Andy Strictland (Cam and Strick podcast) confirmed reports that Mitch Marner won't return to Toronto. Eliotte Friedman reported Marner and other NHL free agents could be looking for a shorter term, possibly four years, due to rising cap. Dave Pagnotta reported the Canes will make an offer of about $14-million AAV And James Mirtle of the Athletic reports Vegas to be one of Marner's "favorites." We also discuss who were VGK's Core Four this season. And, we talk Stanley Cup Finals.

We debate whether VGK needs more award winners. It would show they have some of the top players in the game. Jack Eichel is currently inching toward superstardom. Hopefully he can break through in the season's ahead. Award winners would mean VGK is one of the top and elite teams in the NHL. We also recap the Stanley Cup Final Game 4 and preview Saturday's Game 5. And, we have WTF comments.