Vegas Golden Knights: Reinforced or Playing with Fire? Upgraded Defensive Depth Still Haunted by Pietrangelo’s Absence

“Yes, we added Sissons and Lauzon — they’re guys you can win with. But replacing a defensive anchor like Pietrangelo? That’s not a one-off fix. Our depth has been improved… but anyone who ignores the gap he left is playing with fire.”
— Anonymous source inside the Golden Knights locker room.

As the new NHL season approaches, the Vegas Golden Knights step in with what’s being described as an “upgraded” and “battle-ready” blue line. The additions of Dylan Sissons and Jeremy Lauzon bring versatility, physicality, and the ability to shut down opponents in key moments. On paper, this is one of the deepest defensive units Vegas has ever fielded.

But beneath the praise lies a void that’s hard to ignore — the departure of Alex Pietrangelo. He wasn’t just a top defenseman; he was the brain of the defensive system, a cornerstone both in the locker room and on the ice. Losing him means losing a player with elite game-reading ability, someone who knew when to press, when to retreat, and most importantly, how to give his teammates the confidence to play their game.

The newcomers each have their strengths — Sissons is quick, strong, and willing to throw his body around; Lauzon is experienced and plays a tough, no-nonsense style. But neither has ever been tasked with serving as the all-around defensive safety net Pietrangelo provided. This difference will become painfully clear when Vegas faces high-powered offensive teams like the Edmonton Oilers or Colorado Avalanche.

Head coach Bruce Cassidy and his staff have stressed the importance of smart rotation to keep the core fresh, while squeezing every ounce of potential from the revamped defensive depth. But the looming question remains: in the chaos of playoff hockey, when the pressure peaks and every shift is life-or-death, who will step in to fill Pietrangelo’s role?

Golden Knights fans know that success in the NHL isn’t just about depth — it’s about holding the line when everything is on the brink. Yes, Vegas has strengthened its “wall” in front of the crease, but if the replacement bricks aren’t as solid, even the smallest crack could turn into a disaster.

The upcoming season will be more than just a test of skill; it will be a litmus test of whether Vegas can turn their biggest loss into an opportunity to redefine their defensive identity. Because as that insider warned: “Anyone who ignores that gap… is playing with fire.”