Alex Pietrangelo’s NHL career appears to be over, with the Vegas Golden Knights placing the star defenseman on long-term injured reserve due to serious health concerns.
“The likelihood is low that my body will recover to the standard required to play,” Pietrangelo said. “But I know this is the right decision for me and my family.”
The 35-year-old needs multiple major surgeries, including a complicated reconstruction of both femurs – and even then, there’s no guarantee he’d be able to return to hockey.
It’s a tough end for one of hockey’s most decorated defensemen. Pietrangelo has played 1,087 games and won two Stanley Cups over his 17-year career.
Golden Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon broke the news Tuesday, explaining how they tried everything to keep their star player on the ice.
“We hoped giving Alex treatment and rest during the February break would help,” McCrimmon said. “But things just kept getting worse, and it became clear this couldn’t continue.”
The team had been trying to manage Pietrangelo’s health issues for months. During the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off break, they gave him extended rest and treatment. Nothing worked.
“Alex has given everything to the game and to the Golden Knights,” McCrimmon added. “He’s played through some really tough challenges trying to win another Cup in Vegas.”
Pietrangelo finishes his career with 637 points – pretty impressive for a defenseman. But more than the stats, he’s known for being a leader on and off the ice.
The decision came after extensive consultations with doctors and his family. Pietrangelo said he needs to focus on getting healthy enough for a normal life away from hockey.
For the Golden Knights, it’s a significant loss. But for Pietrangelo, it’s about something bigger than hockey now – it’s about his long-term health and family.
