It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We’re into the Stanley Cup Final, but the talk is on teams that didn’t make that far. Some clubs will always have trouble when it comes to balancing the salary cap. These clubs are trying to put together the best possible rosters, but often have hard choices to make. Sometimes a general manager has to trade off a young asset in order to stay cap-compliant.
One of these teams is the Vegas Golden Knights. This edition of NHL rumours deals with a young defenceman that could be moved this off-season.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Vegas Golden Knights May Deal RFA Defender
Rumour: David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period said that restricted free agent defenceman Nic Hague could be a trade possibility in the off-season. The RFA blueliner is due a raise in the come July 1.
Analysis: Hague is coming off the last year of his contract that saw him make around $2.3 million. The Kitchener, Ontario native registered five goals and 12 points in 68 games this season for Vegas. Those numbers were limited as he missed time early in the season due to injuries.
Hauge will likely be getting a raise in the coming off-season. However, the Golden Knights are up against the salary cap as per usual. There are a number of free agents that general manager Kelly McCrimmon will need to make a decision on. Players like Ivan Barbashev, Brandon Saad and Reilly Smith are among a number of unrestricted free agents that need to have their fates decided on.
Vegas currently has an estimated $9.6 million cap space to use this off-season. The franchise has definitely not been shy about spending to the number. However, this may lead to them having to trade one of their younger players away.
Pagnotta said that teams have already spoken to Vegas about Hague. However, nothing has materialized as of writing.
What It Means
The Golden Knights do have nearly $10 million in space, but they do have a number of holes on the roster. That money may need to be spread around to fill those holes.
Hauge has been solid in his tenure in Vegas. but he could become another cap casualty. There are always expectations for the Golden Knights to make deep runs in the post-season. However, the last two seasons have seen exits in the first round to the Dallas Stars and second round to the Edmonton Oilers, respectively. Vegas did win its first Stanley Cup in franchise history in 2023. However, the team and the fanbase want a return to the final.
There’s also the question of making sure there’s money for Jack Eichel after the 2026-27 season. Eichel can sign a contract extension on July 1 and keeping him is very important.
Decisions like this are something general managers don’t envy. However, McCrimmon could be able to spin Hague’s rights into some assets. Teams like the Philadelphia Flyers could be interested in adding Hague to help bolster their defensive ranks. It’s not a fun situation to have to trade a young player, but it could be a chance for Vegas to get something in return.
Main photo by: James Guillory-Imagn Images
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