Pietrangelo Rehabbing Hip Injury, Cap Concerns Persist

Alex Pietrangelo, the Vegas Golden Knights’ veteran defenseman who has two years left on his contract, is rehabbing a prolonged hip injury and — after stepping away in June to prioritize his long-term health — says nothing is “concrete” and he will take his recovery day-by-day, not ruling out a return this season. He and the club have postponed surgery while pursuing a rehab program that has produced positive results so far, though GM Kelly McCrimmon warned the injury “would require bilateral femur reconstruction, with no guarantee of success,” and Pietrangelo has described the likelihood of returning as low. Pietrangelo remained with the team through training camp, serving as a mentor and locker-room presence while monitoring his progress. His status carries major roster and salary-cap consequences: he carries an $8.8 million cap hit, Vegas has used LTIR flexibility amid recent roster moves (including the Mitch Marner acquisition), and whether he can play will determine how the club manages cap compliance this season. A 17-year NHL veteran and two-time Stanley Cup champion with 637 career points, Pietrangelo says long-term quality of life and family considerations remain central as he evaluates his next steps.