Vegas Golden Knights Provide Health Update on Alex Pietrangelo

In a significant announcement on June 30, 2025, the Vegas Golden Knights revealed the current health status of their defenseman Alex Pietrangelo. Both Pietrangelo and General Manager Kelly McCrimmon provided statements regarding the player’s difficult decision concerning his future in professional hockey.

Pietrangelo, who has faced numerous physical challenges over the past few years, expressed, "The past few years have been very challenging on my physical well-being, and I am in a difficult position with my overall playing health. After exploring options with doctors as well as my family, it’s been advised to remove the intensity of hockey to see if my body can improve so that I can return to a normal quality of life."

The 35-year-old defenseman revealed that despite his dedication and efforts to recover, the likelihood of returning to the standard required to play professionally is low. He stated, "This decision has been difficult to come to terms with after the last 17 years of competition and the camaraderie with my teammates and coaches. I know this is the right decision for me and my family."

General Manager Kelly McCrimmon supported Pietrangelo’s decision, noting that the player has been dealing with severe hip issues that would necessitate bilateral femur reconstruction—an invasive procedure with uncertain outcomes. McCrimmon remarked, "Alex has our organization’s full support in prioritizing his long-term health and quality of life. Throughout the season, the steps that Alex needed to take to be able to play and practice began to grow and take a significant toll on his body. Today’s decision is a difficult one for both Alex and the Golden Knights, but it is being made for the right reasons."

Pietrangelo's career spans over 1,087 regular-season games, during which he has amassed 637 points, including 148 goals and 489 assists. His performance has been notable in the postseason as well, with 149 games played, yielding 80 points and a +26 rating on the ice. He has achieved the pinnacle of success in the NHL, winning the Stanley Cup twice—first with the St. Louis Blues in 2019 and again with the Golden Knights in 2023.

The Golden Knights organization, established in 2017, has become a prominent franchise in the NHL, winning the Stanley Cup in the 2022-2023 season. Pietrangelo's contributions have been integral to the team’s success, and his leadership is highly regarded among peers and fans alike.

As the organization navigates this challenging period, the focus will shift toward supporting Pietrangelo in his recovery journey while also preparing for the upcoming season without one of its most esteemed players. The implications of his absence on the team's strategy and performance will be closely monitored as the Golden Knights seek to maintain their competitive edge in the NHL.