Golden Knights RFA at Risk of Missing Camp if Contract Talks Don't Progress

The Vegas Golden Knights are down to their last remaining contract holdout in defenseman Nic Hague. Drafted 34th in 2017, Hague has had two strong campaigns in a row and has subsequently determined he deserves a small raise. One Vegas GM Kelly McCrimmon is not rushing to fork over.

Vince Sapienza of FOX Sports in Las Vegas reports that there has been no progress on contract talks, and Hague's representation is apparently growing more and more concerned by the lack of dialogue so soon before camp. Further to Sapienza's report, Hague is in Vegas ready for training camp, however, if no deal can be made he will not report, which would be a significant blow to the Golden Knights' blue-line.

In 142 games, Hague has 42 points and a +20 rating. Thrust into a top-four role last season, the 23-year old ended up as a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season. A whopping 6'6'', Hague uses his size well and moves efficiently in spite of it. He is a high-volume shooter as well, averaging 2.23 shots per game in '22-23. Knowing his value as a top-4 defender, he is wise to leverage his position for a healthy raise. The downside here, of course, is Vegas' salary cap situation.

( JFresh )

According to CapFriendly, Vegas is set to have around $2.6 million in cap space once Robin Lehner and Shea Weber's salaries are moved to LTIR. Looking at the contracts being signed around the league, Hague has every right to lobby for whatever he can squeeze out of the Golden Knights. They have proven to be a cutthroat organization, no shock if they breed cutthroat players in response.

McCrimmon would be wise to get a deal done with Hague sooner than later. The Golden Knights cannot afford to make any missteps this season, and they are just a worse team without Hague. They have six NHL defenseman on the roster without Hague, but he is light and day compared to Ben Hutton, all due respect to Mr. Hutton.

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