Alex Pietrangelo, a veteran defenseman for the Vegas Golden Knights, is stepping away from the NHL due to health concerns. The announcement was made on Monday, with both Pietrangelo and the Golden Knights organization releasing statements regarding the decision. While not officially retiring, the 35-year-old acknowledged that resuming his career is unlikely.

Pietrangelo cited the challenges his physical well-being has presented over the past few years. After consulting with doctors and his family, he was advised to reduce the intensity of hockey to see if his body improves, allowing him to return to a normal quality of life. He acknowledged the difficulty of this decision after 17 years of competition and camaraderie with teammates and coaches.

Golden Knights General Manager Kelly McCrimmon revealed that Pietrangelo is dealing with hip issues that would require bilateral femur reconstruction. McCrimmon stated that these procedures come with no guarantee of success. He noted that the steps Pietrangelo needed to take to play and practice had grown and taken a significant toll on his body. The team had hoped that treatment and rest during the NHL's break for the 4 Nations Face-Off in February would provide relief, but instead, they found diminished positive results and a process that is no longer sustainable.

Pietrangelo has the full support of the Golden Knights organization in prioritizing his long-term health and quality of life. McCrimmon said that Pietrangelo has given everything to the game and the Golden Knights, playing through significant challenges in pursuit of another Stanley Cup. He praised Pietrangelo as one of the most respected players in the league, not only for his talent but also for his character, leadership, competitiveness, and professionalism.

Throughout his 17-year NHL career with the St. Louis Blues and Golden Knights, Pietrangelo played 1,087 regular-season games, recording 637 points (148 goals, 489 assists). He also appeared in 149 playoff games, the most of any player from the 2008 NHL Draft, and tallied 80 points (15 goals, 65 assists). Pietrangelo won the Stanley Cup with the Blues in 2019 and with the Golden Knights in 2023.

Pietrangelo's absence potentially opens the door for other players to join the Golden Knights. There is speculation that the Golden Knights have emerged as frontrunners for Mitch Marner, and Pietrangelo's injury could strengthen that possibility.

Vegas is placing Pietrangelo on long-term injured reserve.