Vegas Golden Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon stated today that defenseman Alex Pietrangelo has officially been placed on LTIR and that the veteran is unlikely to play again, reports David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period. McCrimmon’s grim outlook reinforces the picture that both he and Pietrangelo have been painting in recent days regarding Pietrangelo’s future.
On Sunday, after weeks of speculation, it was announced that Pietrangelo would need to undergo “multiple major surgeries” this offseason, likely putting his 2025-26 season in jeopardy. On Monday, things became even more bleak as Pietrangelo and McCrimmon discussed the defender’s future, with Pietrangelo stating how challenging the last few seasons have been on his physical well-being.
“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. 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. 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,” he said.
McCrimmon added that Pietrangelo would need to have bilateral femur reconstruction in order to resume his playing career, and that the procedure would not guarantee a return to health.
“Our hope in February during the NHL’s break for the 4 Nations Face-Off was to give Alex treatment and rest to help provide relief, but instead, what we found were diminished positive results and a process that is no longer sustainable moving forward. Alex has given everything to the game and to the Golden Knights and has played through significant challenges in the pursuit of trying to win another Stanley Cup in Vegas,” McCrimmon said.
A day later, it appears McCrimmon has seemingly made Pietrangelo’s future official. If this is the end of the road for Pietrangelo’s playing career, the 35-year-old retires with 1,087 games played, 637 points, and two Stanley Cup championships.
Atta boy Alex. You made your money, now it’s time to make sure your body still works at 55. My dad really hurt himself working and playing hockey, and he only made it to 62. He was in intense pain from back and wrist injuries.
People forget that work can really put a toll on someone’s body. Never destroy your future for a few extra bucks today.
I don’t think anyone forgets that playing in the NHL is tough on the body.
I would wager the vast majority of hockey fans have no idea the sort of lifelong pain a lot of players go through.
cIrCuMvEnTiOn!!1!
When the guy comes back for the playoffs… yes.
This… no.
yOuReApUtZ
One heck of a career he had. Takes true love of the game to try and play thru that. Get healthy soon!
It really goes to show how much hockey just beats up your body. Guys like Pietrangelo, Hossa, Shea Weber, Carey Price, Toews, Landeskog (and I’m sure I’m missing countless other players)…all HoF or star level players that had to take multiple seasons off or hang it up early because their bodies just could not handle the physical demands anymore. Say what you want about LTIR cap circumvention but it also requires the players to essentially agree they can’t/don’t want to play anymore and I’m sure they’d rather go out on their own terms rather than just watch their contract get buried.
Sucks
I am glad he is putting his long term health for a normal life and family first.
He will be a good front office addition to someone or player development. He has a lot of wise leadership and experience to pass on
One of the best images I’ve ever seen was Petro as the first Blue to ever raise the Stanley Cup. Wish him well going forward, hope he can get healthy enough to enjoy retirement.
Unlikely to play in the Regular season again*
There’s always one simpleton
theres always one snowflake who doesn’t understand a joke
Nothing but love for Petro. The Blues don’t win their first Cup without him. Will always be grateful to him for that! Now he can relax and enjoy time with his family and his triplets.
here come the vegas derangement cases
I will always love Pietrangelo for the Draisaitl slash in the semis in ’23. we may lose that series if he hadnt done it. sent the message that we see what youre doing w the dirty play and we will retaliate. the extra curricular stuff ended and the knights ended the series next two games. good luck and get well soon. enjoy a well deserved retirement
i dont see why a dirty play is something to admire