Alex Pietrangelo steps away from hockey due to major hip injuries
Alex Pietrangelo, a building block of the Vegas Golden Knights defense and one of the NHL's most highly regarded blue-liners, is walking away from hockey due to some alarming health issues.
Although he hasn't officially retired, the 35-year-old said he does not expect to play again after doctors advised him to give up the sport to concentrate on healing from several debilitating hip conditions. Pietrangelo's absence represents a major turning point for Vegas as they revamp their defense and look to the future.
Alex Pietrangelo faces uncertain future after serious hip injuries
Pietrangelo disclosed he needs to undergo bilateral femur reconstruction on both hips, a lengthy procedure that is not even sure if he'll ever play hockey again.
The longtime defenseman conceded keeping up the physical demands of the sport are no longer feasible, even with continuing treatment and rest periods during the NHL's 4 Nations Face-Off hiatus mid-year.
"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 likelihood is low that my body will recover to the standard required to play, but I know this is the right decision for me and my family.
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Pietrangelo wrote in a statement.
Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon shared the sentiment, saying Pietrangelo's attempts to remain on the ice had a growing impact. McCrimmon said the choice is hard, but it demonstrates the respect that the organization has for Pietrangelo as a person and as an individual player.
Vegas reconfigures its defense during Alex Pietrangelo's absence
Vegas will put Pietrangelo on long-term injured reserve, opening up his $8.8-million cap burden to cover new additions and retain roster balance.
The same day the news came through, the Golden Knights signed Mitch Marner to an eight-year, $96-million sign-and-trade contract and are seeking a trade for Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson.
Pietrangelo suited up for 71 games during last season, notching 33 points and averaging more than 22 minutes per contest. Across more than 1,087 regular-season games with St. Louis and Vegas, he compiled 637 points and won two Stanley Cups.
At the international level, he won Olympic gold, a World Cup championship, and World Junior gold medals with Team Canada.
While the door isn't shut on a return, Pietrangelo's career is virtually done. His leadership, reliability, and championship résumé have made an indelible imprint on the NHL, the Golden Knights franchise, and myriad teammates who respected his commitment to the game.
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