VEGAS — Alex Pietrangelo, defenseman for the Vegas Golden Knights, announced on June 30 that he will take a step back from professional hockey to focus on his health. Pietrangelo’s decision comes as he grapples with significant health challenges that have impacted his ability to play at a competitive level.
In his statement, Pietrangelo expressed the emotional toll of his physical struggles over recent years. He shared that after consulting with medical professionals and discussing the situation with his family, it became clear that he needed to prioritize his well-being. “The past few years have been very challenging on my physical well-being,” he stated. “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.”
General Manager Kelly McCrimmon echoed Pietrangelo’s sentiment, highlighting the severity of his condition. McCrimmon mentioned that Pietrangelo faces potential bilateral femur reconstruction, a procedure with uncertain outcomes. “Our hope was to give Alex treatment and rest during the NHL’s break for the 4 Nations Face-Off,” he explained. “Unfortunately, we found that the necessary steps for him to resume playing were becoming increasingly detrimental to his body.”
As a veteran of 17 NHL seasons, Pietrangelo has played a total of 1,087 regular-season games, amassing 637 points. He has worn two championship rings, having secured the Stanley Cup in 2019 with the St. Louis Blues and again in 2023 with the Golden Knights. His postseason presence, spanning 149 games, places him among the top players of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.
Pietrangelo, who hails from King City, Ontario, is known not just for his impressive statistics, but also for his character and leadership both on and off the ice. His decision, while difficult, has been backed fully by the Golden Knights organization. “Alex has given everything to this game,” McCrimmon affirmed. “This decision is being made for the right reasons — so that Alex can focus on being the family man we all know him to be.”
As the Golden Knights continue to adapt to the upcoming season, the team remains supportive of Pietrangelo’s choices, prioritizing his health and quality of life. The organization has expressed its gratitude for Pietrangelo’s contributions over the years and the legacy he leaves behind, both as a player and as a leader.
The Golden Knights, a franchise that began its journey in 2017, quickly made a name for itself as a formidable force in the NHL. Their historic Stanley Cup victories have captivated fans and established them as contenders in professional sports. For ongoing updates about the team and its players, fans can visit the official team website and follow their social media channels.