The Vegas Golden Knights might be heading into a period of significant change, with veteran defenseman Alex Pietrangelo's future with the team shrouded in uncertainty. Health concerns and potential injury issues have cast a shadow over his continued presence on the Vegas blue line, leading to questions about his availability for the upcoming season and beyond.
Pietrangelo's health has been a recurring topic of discussion. While he has managed to play through various ailments over his 17-year NHL career, there are indications that his luck might be running out. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that Pietrangelo's availability for the start of next season is questionable due to an undisclosed injury. The nature of the injury remains unclear, with speculation ranging from knee and hip issues to groin problems. Pietrangelo himself withdrew from the 4 Nations Face-Off to prepare for the playoffs, further fueling concerns about his physical condition.
Throughout the 2024-25 season, Pietrangelo missed 11 games due to injury. Despite this, he remained a crucial part of the Golden Knights' lineup, averaging 22:24 of ice time per game during the regular season and 23:03 during the playoffs, leading all Vegas skaters in both instances. While his regular season stats showed a respectable performance with 4 goals and 29 assists in 71 games, his even-strength time on ice per game was 18:13.
The potential absence of Pietrangelo raises significant concerns for the Golden Knights. He is not only a top-pairing defenseman but also a respected leader in the locker room. Losing a player of his caliber would undoubtedly create a void on the team's blue line, impacting both their defensive capabilities and overall leadership.
One potential scenario involves placing Pietrangelo on long-term injured reserve (LTIR). This move would provide the Golden Knights with substantial cap relief, potentially freeing up $8.8 million. This newfound financial flexibility could then be used to pursue other high-profile players, such as Mitch Marner, who has been linked to Vegas in trade rumors.
However, relying on LTIR is a strategy that other NHL teams may view with suspicion, as the Golden Knights have a history of utilizing it to maximize their cap space. It could also mean the end of Pietrangelo's tenure in Vegas, which would be an unfortunate end to his career with the team.
If Pietrangelo's injury does sideline him, the Golden Knights will need to find ways to compensate for his absence. This could involve promoting younger defensemen from within the organization or exploring potential trades or free-agent signings to bolster their defensive depth. Nic Hague, a pending restricted free agent, could see an increased role, although there are reports that the Golden Knights are considering trading him.
The Golden Knights have approximately $9.615 million in projected cap space. With the salary cap expected to rise in the coming seasons, Vegas will have more financial flexibility to maneuver and address their roster needs. The team has already locked up key players like Tomas Hertl, Noah Hanifin, Shea Theodore, Brayden McNabb, Brett Howden, and Keegan Kolesar to long-term contracts.
Ultimately, the future of Alex Pietrangelo in Vegas remains uncertain. His health will be a key factor in determining his ability to continue playing at a high level. If he is unable to return to full strength, the Golden Knights will need to make some difficult decisions about their roster and cap management. Regardless of the outcome, Pietrangelo's impact on the Golden Knights has been significant, and his potential departure would mark a turning point for the franchise.
