The new Vegas Golden Knights suffered its first loss of sorts yesterday, as an arbitrator awarded defenseman Nate Schmidt a two-year contract worth $4.45 million. Vegas was looking to pay the blueliner $1.95 million over two years.
Schmidt was selected by the Golden Knights in June’s expansion draft from the Washington Capitals. He’s set to earn $2.15 million this season and $2.3 million in 2018-19. The 26-year-old scored three goals and added 14 assists in 60 games with the Capitals in 2016-17.
Detroit signed its first-round pick in the 2017 Entry Draft, Michael Rasmussen, to an entry-level contract. Rasmussen, a towering center chosen ninth overall by the Red Wings, posted 30 goals and 53 points in 50 games with the Tr-City Americans of the Western Hockey League.
The United States topped Canada 7-5 in the final game of the World Junior Summer Showcase last night. Calgary Flames prospect defenseman Adam Fox scored a goal and added four assists and New Jersey Devils froward prospect Joey Anderson netted a hat-trick and added a helper to power the Americans to victory. Florida Panthers prospect Joanthan Ang did not play in the game.