Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo could miss some or even all of the 2025-26 season, dealing with an injury, leaving a gaping hole in the Golden Knights' blue line that needs to be filled.
This season wasn't too kind to Pietrangelo. On top of dealing with injuries and illnesses, he showed signs of losing a step despite a strong start to the season. As a whole, the 2024-25 campaign was nowhere near a failure for the 35-year-old, but one that he likely believes he's better than.
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman's update on Pietrangelo came as a surprise, but it provided a bit of clarity on what Pietrangelo has been enduring.
Replacing a two-time Stanley Cup winner will be difficult, but GM Kelly McCrimmon and HC Bruce Cassidy will need to find a way to do so.
From Within The Organization:
Kaedan Korczak has been waiting for his opportunity to step into the Golden Knights' lineup as a full-time NHL player, and if Pietrangelo is out for an extended time, no current Golden Knights player is better suited. Over the past two seasons, Korczak has played in 66 games, scoring one goal and 19 points. The 24-year-old has a 6'3, 203 lbs frame that he can use to defend the front of his net, and the foot speed to avoid forecheckers, making him the most logical replacement.
Ben Hutton is a veteran left-handed defenseman who's been with the Golden Knights since 2021. In his time in Vegas, the 32-year-old has played 141 games, scoring eight goals and 33 points. Whenever called upon, Hutton plays his role with ease and does everything the Golden Knights need of him.
Lukas Cormier is the youngest option and the player furthest from providing the stability Pietrangelo does, but his high-end skill could be a valued asset on the Golden Knights' backend. The 23-year-old is just 5'10 but is a smooth skater with offensive instincts to match. He's gathered just two games of NHL experience up to this point, but has routinely shown in the AHL that he is hungry for an NHL opportunity.
Via Trade:
Rasmus Andersson, Connor Murphy and Justin Faulk headline the right-handed defenseman who could be available this offseason via trade.
Andersson would be the priciest of the three, but he is also the closest to replacing Pietrangelo that they can find. His chemistry with Noah Hanifin when the pair played together on the Calgary Flames was outstanding, and it could help Hanifin reach the heights the Golden Knights believe he can. With one year remaining on a $4.55M cap hit, Andersson wouldn't break the bank.
Murphy is a 6'4 defenseman who defends the rush efficiently and moves the puck very well at just $4.4M. He, too, has just one year remaining on his contract but would slot in nicely alongside any of the Golden Knights' left-handed defensemen.
Of the three, Faulk is the least defensively responsible defenseman but makes up for it with his offence. On a $6.5M contract for two additional seasons, the 33-year-old could quarterback the second unit and provide 30+ points.
Free Agent Targets:
Aaron Ekblad, Dante Fabbro, Brent Burns and Cody Ceci are just a few of the available unrestricted free agents who could be available on July 1.
The Golden Knights are very familiar with Ekblad. A physical defenseman whose offensive game never translated as some thought, but it hasn't stopped him from being effective on the defensive end. He'd add serious grit and physicality to the Golden Knights' blue line.
Fabbro had struggled to hold down a roster spot in the NHL for several seasons, but after he was claimed off of waivers by the Columbus Blue Jackets, his game came to life, and he proved to be a fantastic partner for Zach Werenski.
Burns is now 40 years old and is showing multiple signs that age is catching up to him, but still, he's a shot threat from the blue line who could add a fair bit of offence if he is sheltered away from difficult 5-on-5 matchups.
Ceci played big minutes for the Dallas Stars in the playoffs, and at times, it proved costly. Playing second or third-pairing minutes suits Ceci very well, and the Golden Knights could provide him just that.
