The Vegas Golden Knights are pressed against the salary cap heading into the offseason and will likely need to make moves to remain under and improve their team. According to a report by David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period, the Golden Knights could do so by trading Nicolas Hague and are entertaining calls and engaging in trade discussions.
No drafted Golden Knights player has played more games with the franchise than Hague. Selected in the second round (34th overall) in the 2017 NHL Draft, Hague has played 364 games, scoring 20 goals and 83 points. His 6’6″, 245 lbs frame makes him a physical force, breaking up cycle opportunities and clearing the front of his net.
He’s garnered a lot of trust from HC Bruce Cassidy, and there will be plenty of teams looking to make a move for the 26-year-old left-handed defenseman.
“Speaking of Vegas, the Golden Knights have just over $9.6 million in salary cap space and a few decent holes to fill. Word on the street is they are entertaining calls on defenceman Nic Hague, who is set to become a restricted free agent July 1 and is due for a solid paycheck,” said Pagnotta in his recent “Start of Silly Season” article.
“Multiple sources indicated this week that Vegas has already started to engage in trade discussions involving Hague, who brings size, accountability and a championship pedigree to any club looking to strengthen their defensive corps. Several teams will be poking around, and this should be something to keep an eye on leading up to Draft weekend.”
The Golden Knights have been expected to move a defenseman for quite some time now. With eight NHL-calibre defensemen on their roster, freeing up some money to add offence could be a beneficial move.
Kaedan Korczak has shown that he is ready for the next step in his development, and Ben Hutton has been a more than capable replacement when his services are needed. Hague offers many great assets due to his size, but unfortunately, this also makes him a highly sought-after player who can command a substantial salary in this contract extension.
Trading Hague would also allow the Golden Knights to regain some draft capital, which they are currently lacking. Whether they use the draft picks to make selections or acquire other players is unknown, but it gives Kelly McCrimmon more options.
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Could Golden Knights’ Nicolas Hague Be On The Move This Offseason?Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Nicolas Hague finished the final year of a three-year, $2,294,150 contract he signed with the franchise, making him a restricted free agent this offseason and a player who could garner a lot of interest from other teams.
Golden Knights Reportedly In Two-Team Race For KHL Star ForwardWith the team pressed to the salary cap, Vegas Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon continues to find unique ways to add skilled forwards to his lineup and could be doing so again with KHL star Maxim Shabanov.
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