Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Nicolas Hague (14) is congratulated by teammates after scoring in the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Edmonton Oilers Friday, Oct. 22, 2021, in Las Vegas.
Published Monday, Oct. 10, 2022 | 12:02 p.m.
Updated Monday, Oct. 10, 2022 | 2:20 p.m.
The Golden Knights finished their final piece of offseason business today by signing defenseman Nic Hague to a three-year deal, the team announced.
Hague, a restricted free agent, signed for an average annual value of $2,294,150.
"We're pleased," coach Bruce Cassidy said. "He's a big part of the team. He'll help us defend better, kill penalties better. He's a popular guy in the room."
The sides came to an agreement prior to the 2 p.m. deadline by which all 32 teams must submit their compliant game day rosters to the league.
"Just where he's at with his development, he's still scratching the surface. That's what I like about Nic," general manager Kelly McCrimmon said.
Teams must carry a 23-man roster that fits within an $82.5 million salary cap. Given the Golden Knights' cap situation, they must utilize their long-term injured reserve pool.
Defenseman Shea Weber, goalie Robin Lehner and forward Nolan Patrick will be placed on LTIR, McCrimmon confirmed Monday.
The Golden Knights will carry a roster of 14 forwards, seven defensemen and three goalies. Goalie Laurent Brossoit, who is recovering from offseason hip surgery, is making progress and is on pace to join the team soon, McCrimmon said. Brossoit needs clearance from his surgeon to resume hockey activities, which could come within the next couple of weeks, he said.
But because teams can only carry 23 players, Brossoit will likely start the year on injured reserve, rather than LTIR.
"Laurent is real close," McCrimmon said. "We'll know more at that time of when his exact return to play will be."
Hague will be on the roster when the Golden Knights open the season Tuesday in Los Angeles against the Kings but will not play, Cassidy said. Hague has skated on his own back home in Ontario and has stayed in shape, but the lack of practices and the need to get up to speed with Cassidy's system means it will take a few games before Hague makes his season debut.
When that happens, Hague will skate on the third pairing with longtime defense partner Zach Whitecloud. Veteran blue liner Ben Hutton will move to seventh on the depth chart.
Hutton, 29, signed a two-year extension last season thanks to his strong play as a reliable depth option. He filled in on the top pair with Alex Pietrangelo at times last season, showing he can play at any role on the blue line if called upon.
Hague, a second-round pick in Vegas' first entry draft in 2017, has 42 points in 142 games during his NHL career. The 23-year-old is coming off a 14-point campaign in 52 games last season. The 6-foot-6 defenseman was part of the same draft class with Cody Glass, Nick Suzuki and Erik Brannstrom — all whom are no longer with the Golden Knights.
"I think a lot of guys have been talking to him," Whitecloud said. "It's exciting. I've played with [Hague] for four years now. Having that guy come back as part of our family, part of our team, is huge."
Danny Webster can be reached at 702-259-8814 or [email protected]. Follow Danny on Twitter at twitter.com/DannyWebster21.
