Golden Knights Sacrifice Hague in a Strategic Move
The Vegas Golden Knights made a strategic move by trading veteran defenseman Nicolas Hague to the Nashville Predators. This decision could free up space in the salary cap, opening the possibility of pursuing Mitch Marner in upcoming operations.
In exchange for Hague, the Golden Knights received defenseman Jeremy Lauzon and center Colton Sissons, according to reports.
Hague, known for his defensive game, signed a four-year contract with his new team, with an annual salary of 5.5 million dollars, according to sources.
The 26-year-old player, who scored five goals and 12 points last season in Vegas, was a second-round pick in 2017. Hague participated in 68 games last season, averaging 17:33 minutes of ice time.
His best offensive season was in 2022-23, playing 81 games and accumulating 17 points.
On Tuesday, Hague would have become a restricted free agent, but Vegas opted to trade him before negotiations began. In return, the team adds defensive depth with Lauzon, 28, who played in 28 games last season, and help on face-offs with Sissons, 31, who had seven goals and 21 points in 72 games with the Predators.
Hague is expected to strengthen the Predators’ defense, who conceded 274 goals last season, the seventh-worst total in the Central Division.
