NHL Rumors: Golden Knights Might Be About To Make Another Controversial LTIR Move

The Vegas Golden Knights might be plotting their next bold move, and this one could rival their past salary cap gymnastics. 

With defenseman Alex Pietrangelo’s health in doubt, speculation is swirling that Vegas could stash his $8.8 million cap hit on long-term injured reserve (LTIR). If that happens, it would open the door for the team to sign Mitch Marner, who is reportedly seeking $14 million in free agency. 

Vegas has already shown interest in Marner and tried to trade for him in the past. Now, with nearly $9.6 million in cap space already available, Pietrangelo’s potential LTIR stint could make the math work.

This scenario, however, comes with serious strings attached. Elliotte Friedman recently hinted on the 32 Thoughts podcast that Pietrangelo might not be available at the start of the 2025–26 season. The defenseman battled through injuries last year and skipped international tournaments like the 4 Nations Face-Off, further fueling concerns. 

If he’s sidelined long-term, Vegas could legally leverage LTIR to sign Marner. But if Pietrangelo returns midseason, the Golden Knights would be well over the cap, forcing them to offload salary fast.

LTIR Space Could Help Vegas Add, But Thin Blue Line Raises Flags

Even with Pietrangelo's aging legs and reduced mobility, he's still a valuable piece of the Golden Knights' defense. His vision, positioning, and leadership remain essential, especially on a team already thin on the right side. 

With RFA Nic Hague reportedly being shopped and Zach Whitecloud thrust into an elevated role due to other injuries, the Vegas blue line is anything but deep. Trading Hague while losing Pietrangelo could expose major weaknesses, particularly if Shea Theodore’s health remains a question mark too.

Sounds like Alex Pietrangelo may not be playing next year.

Vegas can probably hang on a little longer, but between this, Stone slowing down and Eichel needing a contract heading out of his prime, I really struggle to see a bright future for this team. #VegasBorn pic.twitter.com/C8S1X6RvuP

— Puckmarks (@puckmarks) June 7, 2025

It’s no secret that Vegas loves a big swing. They’ve used LTIR in the past to create room for stars like Mark Stone and made splashy moves for Tomas Hertl and Noah Hanifin. But this time, the risks are bigger. 

If they land Marner at the cost of Pietrangelo and key depth pieces, they might build a stronger top six, only to watch their defense collapse under the weight of it all.

The Risky Math Behind Marner’s Arrival and Pietrangelo’s Exit

If the Golden Knights do indeed use LTIR relief to pursue Mitch Marner, the move would instantly make them a Cup favorite, on paper. Imagine Marner flying down the wing with Jack Eichel or Mark Stone. It’s tempting. 

But unless Pietrangelo is genuinely out for the full season, Vegas would need to shed millions fast to stay compliant once he's cleared. That could mean parting ways with forwards like William Karlsson or Ivan Barbashev, key pieces of their playoff core.

"Pietrangelo shoots — he scores!"

"Vegas is on the board!"

🎙 @Dan_DUva

Alex Pietrangelo's blast beats Filip Gustavsson to cut the deficit in half in Game 3. pic.twitter.com/a3g4lxvRYL

— Golden Knights Radio (@VGKRadioNetwork) April 25, 2025

The NHL isn’t blind to Vegas’s past cap maneuvers, and while nothing here appears illegal, it would undoubtedly draw criticism from fans and rival teams. 

The bigger concern? If Pietrangelo’s injuries linger or the defensive unit crumbles without him, no amount of forward firepower will matter.

Photo Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images