(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)
This offseason, when the news broke about Alex Pietrangelo’s season-ending injury, Golden Knights fans knew it would be a costly loss. It was discussed at length how the lack of Pietrangelo’s influence in the locker room would impact the 2025-26 team. However, his announcement was overshadowed by the signing of star Mitch Marner.
After 66 games played, Vegas’ latest slump highlights how severe Pietrangelo’s absence has been on the Pacific Division’s second-place team.
I wonder about the loss of Pietrangelo. Not only the player but the personality in the room. I just wonder if the loss of his presence is as big as anything else. I just saw a team that was always clutch. In big moments they found ways and it’s not going that way right now for them. –Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts Podcast
Many times this season, we discussed the glaring hole Pietrangelo left on Vegas’ blue line. Mainly, the focus was on the team desperately missing his play on the ice. The loss of his leadership and presence might be as detrimental. It’s fair to argue that if Pietrangelo were currently available, the Golden Knights would have worked their way out of this post-Olympic break funk.
Neither.
Pietrangelo was a rare talent in the NHL and his loss is going to be massive. Will take a collective effort of everyone playing their own role a little bit better to make up for it. No single person currently on the roster can replace him. https://t.co/4QDq33y1L5
— SinBin.vegas 🇺🇸🥇 (@SinBinVegas) July 22, 2025
While the Golden Knights have an above-average defensive unit, it’s obvious something is missing. Rasmus Andersson, Noah Hanifin, and Shea Theodore may make similar salaries as Pietrangelo, but they can’t replace his command of a team or control of a game.
I don’t know what to make of Vegas. Stone’s hurt. Eichel’s a stud. They are really struggling. They don’t look right. –Friedman on 32 Thoughts Podcast
Most likely, the Golden Knights’ front office quickly recognized the hole that Pietrangelo left, which desperately needed to be repaired. Within months, Andersson was added to their top four. However, Vegas was still reportedly unsatisfied. While it’s disputed, Friedman still believes VGK tried to strengthen their defensive weaknesses by acquiring a goaltender.
Kelly McCrimmon denied it in the way that Kelly McCrimmon denies things (laughter). ‘People just love to hear themselves talk.’ I laughed when I saw it. The one thing he did do that was smart was he defended Adin Hill. Hill’s their number one guy. I do think they looked at it. –Friedman on 32 Thoughts Podcast
Looking back, Pietrangelo’s unfortunate injury was quickly pushed aside for several reasons. Obviously, the future Hall of Famer’s age was a concern. His unused salary created the path for Marner.
Also, Hanifin and Theodore had fans feeling confident that one of them would turn into a clear number one defenseman. Neither has become one yet. During this tough stretch, it might be more impactful for them to recreate Pietrangelo’s guidance and leadership.
