The Vegas Golden Knights extended qualifying offers to their five restricted free agents prior to the 2 p.m. deadline Monday.
Goaltender Akira Schmid, defenseman Lukas Cormier and forwards Joe Fleming, Jakub Brabenec and Jakub Demec will have their signing rights maintained by the team when free agency opens Wednesday.
Brabenec, a fourth-round pick in 2021, signed a two-year deal with HC Kometa Brno of Extraliga in Czechia on June 3. Even while overseas, the Knights hang on to his signing rights.
Rival teams can present offer sheets to the five players, but the four skaters from the Henderson Silver Knights will more than likely re-sign with the team during the summer. They can sign as early as 9 a.m. Wednesday.
Schmid is the wild card. What happens with him could answer what the Knights intend to do with a crowded goalie room.
Schmid led all Knights goaltenders with 29 starts last season, but is third on the depth chart behind Carter Hart and 2023 Stanley Cup champion Adin Hill.
The Knights could trade Schmid to a goalie-needed team. If Schmid is re-signed, it could give some thought as to what the Knights will look like in goal next season.
The team signed top goalie prospect Carl Lindbom to a three-year, $2.7 million deal on Sunday. He will also compete for the NHL backup job no matter who is maintained.
Contact Danny Webster at dwebster@reviewjournal.com. Follow @DannyWebster21 on X.
