Pietrangelo’s Hopeful Outlook Complicates Golden Knights’ Salary Cap Situation
The NHL landscape is buzzing with speculation, and many believe it’s time for the Vegas Golden Knights to face the music. After years of being accused of exploiting the long-term injured reserve (LTIR) loophole, the team finds itself in a precarious position as news regarding Alex Pietrangelo unfolds.
Pietrangelo Steps into the Spotlight
On Monday, Pietrangelo addressed the media for the first time since his startling announcement on June 30. The veteran defenseman, who boasts two Stanley Cup titles and has been a key figure on the Golden Knights’ blue line, revealed that he was stepping away from the game due to severe hip issues that had proven resistant to treatment. While he refrained from using the term “retirement,” speculation about a potential bilateral femur reconstruction surgery raised concerns about his future in the NHL.
However, this week, Pietrangelo’s demeanor hinted at renewed optimism. With surgery discussions on hold, he highlighted tangible progress in his rehabilitation, suggesting that a return to the ice may not be entirely out of reach. “With the rehab program we’ve put in place, it’s made my daily life a lot better, whereas last year was obviously not ideal and very difficult,” he shared.
This positive outlook indicates that Pietrangelo is committed to his recovery. “Nothing’s really concrete,” he acknowledged, opting for a measured, day-by-day approach to his rehabilitation. “I’m just going to continue to, you know, kind of take it day by day and go throughout my process and see where it goes.”
Implications for the Golden Knights’ Cap Space
Yet, Pietrangelo’s hopeful statements bring complications for the Golden Knights. According to Rob Couch from NHLTradeRumors.com, the uncertainty surrounding his status could significantly alter the team’s financial strategy. If it were confirmed that Pietrangelo would miss the entire season, Vegas could leverage his full $8.8 million cap hit through LTIR. However, with the possibility of his return, that maneuver is limited to just $3.8 million.
This shift has left the Golden Knights in a challenging spot, as they now find themselves $7.6 million over the salary cap. To rectify this situation, the team will likely need to make at least one trade.
Karlsson as a Trade Candidate
Couch pointed to 32-year-old center William Karlsson as the most logical trade option given his $5.9 million salary for the final two seasons of his contract. While Karlsson holds a 10-team no-trade clause, the Golden Knights’ depth at center—anchored by Jack Eichel and Tomas Hertl in the top two lines, alongside Brett Howden, Colton Sissons, and Ivan Barbashev in the bottom six—may make his departure a necessary, albeit painful, decision.
As the Golden Knights navigate this complex situation, the prospect of Pietrangelo’s return remains uncertain, leaving the team and its fans in a state of suspense. The coming weeks will be critical, as they seek to balance their cap constraints with the hope of having one of their cornerstones back on the ice.
