The Vegas Golden Knights have reportedly re-signed Alec Martinez, an unrestricted free agent defenceman, to a three-year contract worth $15.75 million. This contract carries a salary-cap hit of $5.25 million.
Golden Knights D Alec Martinez is staying put. As others have reported, $15.75M over 3 years with $5.25M annual cap hit.
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) July 28, 2021
Alec Martinez Re-Signed by Vegas
Over his 12-year NHL career, Martinez has played for the Los Angeles Kings and Vegas Golden Knights. Originally drafted in the fourth round, 95th overall of the 2007 NHL draft by the Kings, Martinez has 73 goals and 165 assists in 660 games. Of those 238 points, all but nine came at even strength. He averaged 22:34 in ice time last season, nearly a career-high, above his career average of 19:41 per game. He also scored nine goals and 23 assists for 32 points in 53 games last season with Vegas.
A season earlier, Martinez came to Vegas via trade from the Kings. Prior to that, Martinez had only ever played for the Kings, the team that drafted him over a decade ago. He also contributed 168 blocked shots in 2020-21, starting 52.6 percent of shifts in the defensive zone. He won two Stanley Cups with the Kings, in 2012 and 2014, and has played 103 career postseason contests to boot.
What This Means for the Future
Keeping a guy like Alec Martinez will keep the Golden Knights defence intact. He plays the style of shutdown defence that is becoming rarer and rarer in today’s NHL. The Golden Knights recognize Martinez as an important asset as he was made a priority this offseason to sign. Teams that win the Stanley Cup need players like Martinez to close out the series and lead by example. In just 19 playoff contests this season with Vegas, Martinez blocked 72 shots. His two championships further illustrate the kind of impact he can bring to a team.
His role on the ice grew significantly over the last decade, as his ice time crept up well above 20 minutes per game. He faces top talent on a nightly basis and can contribute to both the penalty kill and powerplay. Expect more of the same, steady play from him moving forward. This signing truly helps solidify the blueline for Martinez’s next team.
Now it will be on Vegas to clear some cap space to get under the $81.5 million once the season starts.
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