It’s time for another edition of NHL rumours. Preseason games are underway, but there are some players that aren’t camp. These missing players are restricted free agents that have yet to sign deals. A big name like Jason Robertson has yet to sign with the Dallas Stars. However, we take a look at the Nicolas Hague contract negotiations with the Vegas Golden Knights.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Nicolas Hague Contract Talks Stalled
Still no progress in contract talks between the VGK & RFA D Nic Hague. If things don't improve soon, an option for him is going back home to keep up with his on/off ice training.
Hague is 1 of 4 remaining RFAs out there, along with Jason Robertson, Rasmus Sandin & Alex Formenton
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) September 22, 2022
The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta reports that the talks between the RFA defenceman and the Golden Knights are stuck in the mud. The 23-year-old is waiting for a new deal that would see him get a decent raise from his deal. Hague recorded four goals and 10 assists in 52 games last season for the Knights. It was his best offensive season in his first season with sustained minutes.
The Kitchener, Ontario native missed the start of training camp on Thursday. However, he still might be dealing with the effects of a lower-body injury that ended his season early in 2021-22. Details of his injury will likely be kept quiet until a deal is reached.
The young defenceman may return home to resume training if talks don’t progress. Both sides have until Dec. 1 to reach a deal for him to be eligible to play.
What it Means
Hague looks like he’ll get top-four minutes this season when he’s healthy enough to play. He’d fit in nicely with a group that has Alex Pietrangelo, Shea Theodore and Alec Martinez. Vegas is looking to get back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs after missing the postseason for the first time in team history.
However, the Knights may have to make some room in their salary cap to fit Hauge. Vegas is currently more than $12 million over the cap, but that will be fixed when Shea Weber and Robin Lehner go on long-term injured reserve. The Knights will have some $2 million for Hague but may want to clear out more room if needed.
Not having the young blueline will hurt Vegas, but one hopes a deal is coming soon. An offer sheet is highly unlikely as teams have no space and have made all the signings they’ve needed to make.
NEWS: The Golden Knights have signed Nicolas Hague to a three-year, Entry-Level Contract.
More: https://t.co/bHMLTAmPCQ pic.twitter.com/R1dYKzgMid
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) September 29, 2017
