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.
Hague has spent every minute of his NHL career as a Golden Knight. Drafted in the second round (34th overall) in the 2017 NHL draft, the 26-year-old has played 364 games with the organization, scoring 20 goals and 83 points. He played a large role in their Stanley Cup win and has been integral to their defensive game, imposing his will physically on a nightly basis.
Despite the strong relationship the franchise and the player have built, some uncertainty about Hague’s future exists. Hague is the only current Golden Knights defenseman without a contract heading into the 2025-26 season, and the Golden Knights have multiple defensemen waiting for their opportunity.
Kaedan Korczak has been patiently waiting for a full-time chance in the NHL. The 24-year-old has played 66 games throughout the previous two seasons, showcasing that he can be relied upon and is ready for the next step in his career. He’s signed for $825,000 next season and will be an RFA following the conclusion of the contract.
Additionally, another top Golden Knights defensive prospect is waiting to make an impact at the NHL level. Lukas Cormier missed nearly the entire season recovering from an injury but impressed with the Henderson Silver Knights in the AHL in limited opportunities, recording nine assists in 19 games.
The 23-year-old requires a contract and will lose his waiver eligibility, meaning the Golden Knights will need to place him on waivers during the preseason if they want to send him to the AHL, where he’ll likely be claimed. It’s a similar situation to Korczak’s of this season, but the log jam at the backend is even greater now.
The contract implications could force the Golden Knights’ hand when referring to Hague’s future with the team. Alternatively, the Golden Knights could trade Cormier or Korczak and retain Hague, but if they want the best possible return, Hague certainly has the most value.
The Golden Knights also run the risk of Hague signing an offer sheet, although most signs point to Hague being disinterested in doing so.
General manager Kelly McCrimmon handled most of his unrestricted free agent business throughout the season but has his hands full with the contract extensions for RFAs and veteran UFAs.
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