Avalanche rival dealt massive blow despite adding top free agent this offseason
Photo credit: The Canadian Press
Even after adding a top free agent during the offseason, the Colorado Avalanche divisional rival Vegas Golden Knights, have faced a significant setback that could impact their upcoming season.
Earlier this offseason, Alex Pietrangelo revealed he would step away for the upcoming season to undergo hip surgery.
Golden Knights face a challenging season ahead after suffering setback.
Ryley Delaney from Oilers Nation writes that with Pietrangelo's future now uncertain, he may have already played his final NHL game, a significant loss for Vegas' defense.
Despite landing the top free agent this offseason in Mitch Marner via a trade and sign, the only other significant transaction for Vegas was re-acquiring original Golden Knight Reilly Smith from the New York Rangers and re-signing Brandon Saad after being acquired at last year's trade deadline from the St. Louis Blues.
"Coming off a 102-point season, it was clear the Maple Leafs wouldn't be able to afford to keep the Toronto native around. The Golden Knights sent centre Nicolas Roy in exchange for the soon-to-be free agent Marner and inked him to an eight-year, $96 million extension before he could reach the open market." -Delaney
To clear cap space, Vegas traded Nicolas Hague to Nashville along with a 2027 third-round pick, receiving Jeremy Lauzon and Colton Sissons in return.
"Simply put, Mitch Marner needs to fit into the team's plans. The Golden Knights don't have their 2026 first-round pick-traded to Calgary for Hanifin-and their farm system is thin, with Trevor Connelly as their top prospect." -Delaney
Adding to the urgency, Jack Eichel is set to become a free agent after the 2025-26 season. This makes the upcoming year possibly the Golden Knights' best chance at a second Stanley Cup before their roster inevitably undergoes changes.
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