Alex Pietrangelo hints at Potential Return, defying Prognosis for Prolonged Hip Injury
Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alex pietrangelo is leaving the door open for a possible return to play this season, despite a challenging hip injury that initially suggested a lengthy absence.This advancement comes as a surprise, given earlier indications that the veteran blueliner might miss the entire 2025-26 campaign.
Pietrangelo, 35, announced in June he was stepping back from the rigors of professional hockey to focus on rehabilitation, hoping to regain a “normal quality of life.” General Manager Kelly McCrimmon revealed the injury necessitated potential bilateral femur reconstruction, with no guarantee of a triumphant outcome.
Initial reports strongly suggested a minimum one-season absence for the team’s top defenseman. Pietrangelo himself acknowledged in June the odds of a full recovery to NHL standards were slim. However,the situation appears to be evolving.
A Shift in Approach: Avoiding Surgery & Embracing Rehab
Rather of undergoing surgery, pietrangelo has committed to an intensive rehabilitation program. He reports experiencing encouraging results, fueling a cautious optimism about his future. When directly asked about ruling out a return this season, he remained noncommittal.
“Nothing is really concrete,” Pietrangelo stated at the Golden Knights’ training camp. “I’m just going to continue to take it day-by-day and see where it goes.”
The hip issue isn’t new, having bothered Pietrangelo for years. Last season, however, it significantly impacted his performance. He chose to play through the pain, foregoing participation in the 4 Nations Face-Off to prioritize the Stanley Cup playoffs. Ultimately, he appeared in 71 regular season games and an additional 10 in the postseason, averaging 23:03 of ice time during the playoffs.
A Decorated Career & Contractual Considerations
Pietrangelo is a 17-year NHL veteran and a proven winner. He captained the St. Louis Blues to a Stanley Cup championship in 2019 and later led the Golden Knights to victory in 2023. Throughout his career, he’s amassed 637 points in 1,087 games.
Currently, Pietrangelo has two years remaining on a seven-year contract with Vegas, carrying an $8.8 million salary cap hit. The Golden Knights are navigating a tight cap situation, particularly after acquiring star winger Mitch Marner from Toronto, who signed a new contract with a $12 million cap hit.
What This Means for the Golden Knights
Vegas will begin the season with Pietrangelo placed on long-term injured reserve. This situation is further complicated by recent changes to the collective bargaining agreement between the NHL and NHLPA. These changes expedite adjustments to salary cap benefits for players on LTIR and establish a postseason cap.
Ultimately, Pietrangelo’s potential return, while uncertain, adds an intriguing dynamic to the golden Knights’ season. You can expect continued updates as he progresses through his rehabilitation, and it’s a story worth following for any hockey fan.
