Golden Knights Trade Defenseman Nicolas Hague to Nashville in Strategic Cap Move
Las Vegas – The Vegas Golden Knights made a significant roster move Sunday night, trading defenseman Nicolas Hague to the Nashville Predators in exchange for forward Colton Sissons and defenseman Jeremy Lauzon, positioning themselves for potential bigger moves in the upcoming free agency period.
The deal details
The trade, first reported by TSN’s Darren Dreger, saw Hague immediately sign a four-year, $22 million extension with Nashville carrying an annual average value of $5.5 million. This represents a substantial raise from his previous $2.3 million cap hit with the Golden Knights.
Hague, 26, recorded five goals and 12 points in 68 games with Vegas last season while averaging 17:00 of ice time per game. The 6-foot-6 defenseman has been a steady presence for the Golden Knights since being drafted by the organization in the second round of the 2017 NHL Draft.
Player analysis: What each team gets
Nicolas Hague to Nashville The towering defenseman brings a physical presence and reliable defensive play to Music City. While primarily used in bottom-pair minutes in Vegas, Hague has demonstrated the ability to step up to top-four responsibilities when needed. His powerful slap shot from the blue line – nicknamed the “Haguerbomb” by fans – and penalty-killing abilities make him a valuable addition to Nashville’s defensive corps.
Throughout his six-year career with Vegas, Hague totaled 20 goals and 83 points in 364 regular season games, plus 10 points in 44 playoff contests. He was an integral part of the Golden Knights’ 2023 Stanley Cup championship team.
Vegas acquires veteran depth The 31-year-old Sissons leaves Nashville after spending his entire 11-season career with the Predators, bringing 95 goals and 221 points in 691 career games. Last season, he contributed seven goals and 21 points in 72 games and carries a $2.86 million cap hit in the final year of his contract.
Lauzon, 28, appeared in just 28 games last season due to injury, recording one assist. The defenseman has accumulated 14 goals and 45 points in 316 career games across stints with Nashville, Seattle, and Boston. He carries a $2 million cap hit for 2025-26.
Strategic implications for Vegas
Cap space management The trade represents a calculated financial decision by Golden Knights management. While Hague’s $5.5 million annual salary would have significantly impacted their tight salary cap situation, the team now has the cost certainty of two players in the final years of their respective contracts, totaling approximately $4.86 million in combined cap hits.
Mitch Marner connection Multiple reports suggest this move could be clearing salary cap space for a potential run at Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner, who is regarded as the top free agent set to enter the market. The Golden Knights have been mentioned as a potential landing spot for the star winger, and this trade provides them with additional financial flexibility.
There were previous reports indicating that Nicolas Roy could be included in a potential trade package to Toronto for Marner’s rights. If Roy is moved, Sissons would be an excellent replacement, capable of filling similar minutes at even strength and on the penalty kill.
Nashville’s perspective
For the Predators, acquiring Hague addresses their need for defensive depth and physicality. The four-year commitment signals Nashville’s belief in his potential for increased offensive production in a larger role. With fewer offensively gifted defensemen ahead of him compared to his situation in Vegas, Hague may have more opportunities to showcase his offensive capabilities.
After the trade, Nashville has approximately $13.5 million remaining in cap space heading into Tuesday’s free agency period. The signing represents a significant investment in their defensive future as they look to rebound from a disappointing 2024-25 campaign.
Looking ahead
Free agency implications With NHL free agency opening Tuesday, this trade sets the stage for what could be a busy period for both organizations. The Golden Knights have positioned themselves with both cap flexibility and tradeable assets should they pursue additional moves, while the Predators have addressed a key need while maintaining substantial cap space for further additions.
Roster fit Sissons brings veteran leadership and versatility to Vegas, having played both top-six and bottom-six roles throughout his career in Nashville. His penalty-killing experience and defensive reliability make him a natural fit for the Golden Knights’ system. Lauzon, when healthy, provides additional defensive depth and physical presence.
Historical context
This trade marks the end of Hague’s six-year tenure with the only NHL organization he’s ever known. As one of Vegas’s early draft picks, he developed through their system and was part of their historic Stanley Cup championship in 2023. His departure signals the organization’s continued evolution as they balance long-term commitments with short-term competitive windows.
The move also represents a significant shift for Sissons, who had been one of the longest-tenured Predators players and holds the seventh-most regular season games played in franchise history with 690 appearances.
Image Source: https://www.knightsonice.com/golden-knights-trade-nicolas-hague-to-predators/
Category: Sports
Subcategory: Local Teams
Date: 06/30/2025
