Golden Knights in contact with multiple teams including Hurricanes, Penguins for key D-man's trade: Reports

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Nicolas Hague may be traded after his sixth season with the team. The Knights have only $9.615 million in salary cap space, which is pushing them to explore trade options for Hague. They are exploring roster changes ahead of the NHL Draft later this month.

According to The Fourth Period, the Golden Knights have been in contact with several teams. The reported teams are the Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings. The report read:

"The Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings are just four teams believed to have varying degrees of interest."

However, the Carolina Hurricanes could also be a potential destination, per Vegas Hockey Knight's Jacob Walters. While nothing is certain, Hague’s camp has been informed that a trade could happen.

Hague had a steady, but average, 2024-25 season. He finished the regular season with five goals and seven assists for 12 points. In the playoffs, Hague played in all 11 games but managed only two assists. He also recorded nine penalty minutes and averaged 16:13 in ice time per game.

The 26-year-old blueliner remains a valuable physical presence on the ice. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 244.7 lbs, he brings size and reach to the Golden Knights defense. However, his limited offensive production and defensive lapses, paired with an expected jump in salary, could be part of the reason Vegas is willing to consider a trade.

It’s still unclear what general manager Kelly McCrimmon is asking for in return. TFP reported:

"He (McCrimmon) is also believed to be in the market for a top-six winger and may try to land one by moving Hague."

The NHL draft is often a busy time for player movement. If a deal happens, it could take place during or around the draft later this month.

Vegas Golden Knights' disappointing playoff exit in 2025 playoffs

The Vegas Golden Knights were knocked out of the playoffs by the Edmonton Oilers in the second round. They lost Game 5 in overtime, 1-0, ending the series 4-1. Vegas only won Game 3, thanks to a late deflection goal.

The team’s best players didn’t contribute much. Mark Stone was the only top player who scored, and their power play didn't show up in the last three games. Vegas had trouble protecting the net and couldn’t hold early leads. Goalie Adin Hill didn’t play at his regular-season level.

The Golden Knights won the Pacific Division in the regular season but couldn’t carry that form into the playoffs.