Alex Pietrangelo Steps Away From Hockey for Health

Veteran defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, 35, has announced he is stepping away from the Vegas Golden Knights and professional hockey due to serious hip health issues requiring complex bilateral femur reconstruction with no guarantee of success. After consulting doctors and his family, Pietrangelo prioritized his long-term health and quality of life, acknowledging a low chance of returning to playing form. Over a 17-year NHL career with the St. Louis Blues and Golden Knights, he played 1,087 regular-season games, scored 637 points, and won two Stanley Cups. In his final season, Pietrangelo recorded 33 regular-season points and 6 playoff points while struggling physically. Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon expressed the team's full support, praising Pietrangelo's professionalism and leadership. Both Pietrangelo and the team emphasized the emotional difficulty of the decision and the necessity for his future well-being.