Welcome to NHL Rumours! The NHL Entry Draft is complete. We are just a few days away from free agency opening. The off-season is starting to heat up, which is when things get fun! Our rumour takes looks the Vegas Golden Knights, who could be missing a defenceman for the 2025-26 season and beyond.
NHL Rumours
Alex Pietrangelo Could Miss 2025-26 Season and Beyond
I’m hearing Vegas defenceman Alex Pietrangelo is dealing with serious injuries and is going to require multiple major surgeries this summer, which will result in missing the entire 2025-26 season, at least.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) June 29, 2025
Rumour: David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period is hearing that Golden Knights defenceman Alex Pietrangeo is dealing with series injuries which will require multiple surgeries this summer. Pagnotta explains that this may cost Pietrangelo the 2025-26 season and possibly more.
Analysis: Pietrangelo is believed to have battled through injuries his last season. However, he still averaged 22:24 of ice time in 71 games this season, showing he can still play a big role when on the ice. Losing Pietrangelo would be a big blow for a Vegas team seeking to continue to contend for the Stanley Cup. Since joining the Golden Knights for the 2021 season, Pietrangelo has been a valuable member of the defence, playing a part in Vegas winning the Stanley Cup in 2023.
Vegas Impact
Vegas will likely place Pietrangelo on long-term injured reserve. Doing so will result in Pietrangelo’s $8.8 milion cap hit not counting towards the team’s salary cap. Vegas has been interesting in shedding cap. However, this is not the way they wanted to do it.
The Golden Knights may look to acquire a defenceman to fill Pietrangelo’s absence. On the other hand, they may decide to role with the defenceman they have to start the season and make adjustments if need be. The Golden Knights do have talented defenceman on their roster who are capable of stepping up.
Perhaps the biggest implication of this rumour is how it pertains to the Mitch Marner rumour. The Golden Knights are supposedly exploring a sign-and-trade with Marner to bring him to Vegas and extend him to a long-term contract. Pietrangelo and his $8.8 million cap not counting against the team does make this more of a possibility. Furthermore, the injury increases the need for a veteran playmaker, even if Marner is not a defenceman like Pietrangelo.
Pietrangelo’s Future
At 35-years old, Pietrangelo is likely on the downhill slope of his career. It is a shame he will miss this season and possibly more. It is possible this could be it for the two-time Cup Champion and three-time All-Star.
With two years left on his contract, it is possible that Pietrangelo’s time with the Golden Knights are numbered, even if he is able to return from this injury. The Golden Knights are always looking to bring in players to keep them in contention. The organization may not want to invest in an aging defenceman coming off major surgery.
Time will tell what the future holds for the 17-year veteran.
Main Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie- Imagn Images
The post NHL Rumours: Two-Time Stanley Cup Champion Could Miss Season appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.