NHL Rumors: Montreal Canadiens, Pittsburgh Penguins eyeing Golden Knights D-man

The Vegas Golden Knights were not pleased with the fashion in which they bowed out of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Getting dismantled in a five-game second-round series loss to the Edmonton Oilers was not up to the lofty standards they've set since entering the league.

Many have speculated that general manager Kelly McCrimmon will be ultra-aggressive this summer, with the potential that he shakes up his roster. Several Golden Knights have surfaced as potential offseason trade candidates, and the most recent name to join the mix is defenseman Nic Hague.

Sportsnet NHL insider Nick Kypreos had Hague among the players on his latest offseason trade board, and days later reported that the Montreal Canadiens and Pittsburgh Penguins are showing the most interest thus far.

Hannah Kirkell of Vegas Hockey Now shared the information Kypreos provided in an article posted on X (formerly Twitter).

"Just five days after appearing on Nick Kypreos’ Offseason Trade Board, Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Nic Hague once again finds his name in trade talks. According to Kypreos, the Montreal Canadiens and the Pittsburgh Penguins are both trying to acquire Hague," Kirkell wrote.

Hague is a pending RFA, having just played out the final season of his three-year, $6,882,450 contract extension signed with the Golden Knights in 2022.

Another insider connected the Golden Knights defenseman to the Flyers

The Canadiens and Penguins aren't the only teams attempting to acquire Nic Hague.

According to Sportsnet NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Philadelphia Flyers have also expressed interest in trading for the 6'6, 245-pound blueliner. NHL Rumour Report provided the update from Friedman on X.

"Elliotte Friedman: Philadelphia has been linked to Vegas defenseman Nic Hague in trade talks - SN590," NHL Rumour Report wrote.

The 26-year-old managed 12 points (five goals, seven assists) in 68 games played during the 2024-25 regular season. He's been a solid member of the Vegas defense corps throughout his career, notably playing a key role in their 2022-23 Stanley Cup run.

It feels inevitable that Hague will be dealt out of Las Vegas this summer. The question is how much deeper do the changes go as the organizations seek a return to their championship ways. They will be another interesting team to follow in the coming weeks.

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Edited by Jackson Weber