NHL Rumors: Vegas Golden Knights close to signing Alex Pietrangelo
According to the latest NHL rumors, Alex Pietrangelo is completing a deal with the Vegas Golden Knights.
Ever since the offseason began, the Vegas Golden Knights have been linked to former St. Louis Blues defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, the top free agent defenseman available. Though he wants a big contract and Vegas needs to clear cap space, a deal between the two parties is reportedly close, according to the latest NHL rumors.
This rumor comes from Jeremy Rutherford, the St. Louis Blues writer for The Athletic. He has been quite plugged into everything surrounding Pietrangelo and is one of the most trustworthy names around.
There is no word yet on what the alleged contract will look like. However, one can assume it will be a long-term deal with an annual average value of at least $8 million. For it to happen, the Golden Knights will have to move out some salary. It’s logical to assume Vegas has plans to clear some salary.
More from Puck Prose
- Detroit Red Wings 2023 Rookie Camp Has Plenty of Ups and Downs
- This Columbus Blue Jackets rookie doesn’t want to be forgotten
- 2 trades the Boston Bruins must make to secure the Stanley Cup
- 3 reasons the Avalanche won’t win the Stanley Cup in 2024
- This is a big year for Alex Turcotte and the Los Angeles Kings
The cleared salary will likely come from either Marc-Andre Fleury or Nate Schmidt. It could also come from a forward, such as Jonathan Marchessault. But seeing as how close the Golden Knights are to signing Pietrangelo, it’s safe to assume Vegas is also very close to trading one of those players.
What Pietrangelo Would Bring to The Golden Knights
I’m a big fan of the Vegas Golden Knights blue line. Lots of talent, skill, and mobility in their group. But they’ve always lacked a genuine number one defenseman. Shea Thedore might be one (I personally think he is), but even if he is one, he doesn’t play during all situations like Pietrangelo.
Pietrangelo would immediately join the Golden Knights’ top pairing and would make their defense among the best groups in the NHL. Though he’s 30 years old, defensemen with his skillset tend to age less quickly than others. Pietrangelo is a mobile, big defenseman who doesn’t need to be physical to be effective. So I’m optimistic he’ll make a long-term deal look smart.
How Vegas Could Afford Alex Pietrangelo. light. Related Story
He would also be an obvious choice to be their first captain. At the very least, Pietrangelo would add a veteran captain to their leadership group if they elect to go with someone like Mark Stone as their first captain. He would make them the top Stanley Cup contender in the Western Conference, even after the Colorado Avalanche traded for Brandon Saad yesterday.
dark. Next. Grading Each Team's 2020 Draft Class
A deal could be happening very soon, so be sure to stay informed by following us on Twitter at @Puck_Prose.