The Vegas Golden Knights remain active on the market following the departure of Mitch Marner and Alex Pietrangelo’s exit, now focusing on adjusting their defense in preparation for the upcoming season. The Nevada franchise wants to prove it can contend for the Stanley Cup in the 2025-26 NHL season.
Among the many moves expected this offseason, the sign-and-trade deal for Marner has been beneficial for the Golden Knights, securing the former Maple Leafs star for eight more years on a lucrative contract that forces them to revisit their cap calculations.
With the offense addressed, Vegas is now looking to fine-tune its blue line. Pietrangelo’s unexpected decision to retire from professional hockey adds to the departure of Nic Hague, who will continue his career with the Nashville Predators. However, another defenseman might also be on the way out.
Who might leave the Golden Knights?
“Vegas is trying to find a new home for defenseman Ben Hutton, who is in the final year of his contract,” revealed The Fourth Period’s NHL insider David Pagnotta. The main reason is the franchise’s need to clear some cap space.
Ben Hutton of the Vegas Golden Knights
Hutton, an Stanley Cup champion with the Golden Knights in 2023, is entering the final year of his deal, and Vegas is reportedly looking for a new team for him to free up space for other key targets. The 32-year-old veteran signed a two-year, $1.95 million extension in December 2023, carrying a cap hit of $975K.
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Who could join the defense?
The reasons the Knights need to clear space are varied, but the main one is to set up future moves. One top target reportedly on their radar is defenseman Rasmus Andersson from the Calgary Flames. However, before making a push for him, Vegas needs to make roster adjustments.
