The Golden Knights signed defenseman Zach Whitecloud to a six-year extension, the team announced Thursday.
Whitecloud, who was set to be a restricted free agent next summer, will carry an average annual value of $2.75 million.
The Brandon, Manitoba native has become a mainstay on the Golden Knights’ blue line over the past two seasons. Whitecloud became a full-time player in the Edmonton bubble during the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs, and established himself as an every-game player last season with Nicolas Hague as Vegas’ third pair.
Whitecloud had 12 points (2G, 10A) in 51 games last season and had four points during Vegas’ playoff run to the Stanley Cup Semifinals. He has one point through four games this season, but is currently week-to-week with a broken hand.
This deal will take the 24-year-old Whitecloud to his age-30 season. He’s proven reliable on the penalty kill and as someone who does the little things well in his own zone. Safe to say, not a bad deal.