The Vegas Golden Knights have agreed to terms with defenseman Nicolas Hague on a three-year, $6.88 million extension, the team announced Monday afternoon.
The deal, which has Hague signed through the 2024-25 season, carries an AAV of $2.29 million.
The two sides agreed to terms prior to today’s deadline when teams must submit cap-compliant 23-man rosters.
The 23-year-old native of Kitchener, Ontario was the lone restricted free agent on Vegas’ roster.
It’s a team-friendly cap hit for a player with a lot of upside. Also, Vegas will retain Hague’s rights at the end of the deal, as he’ll be a restricted free agent with an affordable $2.7 million qualifying offer.
#VGK and RFA Nicolas Hague come to terms on a 3-year deal x $2,294,150 AAV.
He will be an RFA at the end of the deal with a $2.7 million qualifying offer.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) October 10, 2022
The move puts Vegas just $17 shy of the maximum long-term injured reserve pool, with Robin Lehner, Shea Weber and Nolan Patrick currently on LTIR. Goalie Laurent Brossoit can subsequently be added to clear an additional $2.325 million in cap space.
Hague has become a reliable rearguard for the Golden Knights and forms a solid pairing with Zach Whitecloud. While Hague is not expected to suit up in tomorrow night’s season opener against Los Angeles after missing training camp, he will be a key piece for the Golden Knights moving forward.
Originally drafted in the second round (No. 34 overall) in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, Hague has 10 goals and 42 points in 142 career regular-season contests with the Golden Knights. He recorded four goals and 14 points in 52 games last year.