Agents suggest Neal, Perron unlikely to return to Golden Knights

Two key members of the Vegas Golden Knights may have played their final games for the expansion franchise.

James Neal and David Perron fielded offers from other clubs when the interview period opened Sunday, and the pair of 30-year-old pending unrestricted free-agent forwards have been unable to come to terms on new contracts with the Golden Knights, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal's David Schoen.

Perron's agent, Allan Walsh, told Schoen on Sunday that the club hasn't made a new offer to his client since the season ended, and that there haven't been any negotiations since the two sides exchanged proposals at the trade deadline.

Neal's representative, Patrick Morris, wouldn't reveal if any offers have been received from Vegas, but hinted that an agreement with the Golden Knights would likely have to come before the official start of unrestricted free agency if the team wants to retain him.

"Common sense says that if (Neal is) not signed by July 1, he's probably not coming back (to Vegas)," Morris said.

For what it's worth, Morris did say his client is interested in remaining in Nevada.

"Until further notice, James prefers to keep things quiet," Morris said. "I don't believe in negotiating in the media. All I can tell you is he loves Vegas and he wants to stay."

Perron led the Golden Knights with a career-high 50 assists in the regular season and ranked third on the club with a career-best 66 points. Neal ranked fourth on the team with 25 goals and sixth with 44 points.

Both players were instrumental in helping Vegas become the most successful NHL expansion team ever. Perron produced nine points in 15 postseason games, and Neal chipped in six goals and 11 points in 20 playoff contests as the Golden Knights surpassed all expectations en route to a Stanley Cup Final appearance.

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