Trade Proposal Sees Golden Knights Moving $61.6M Star Defenseman in Major Deal
The Vegas Golden Knights are known for making bold moves, including trading away key players, and a new trade idea could see them parting ways with star defenseman Alex Pietrangelo.
Using the PuckGM tool from PuckPedia, a user suggested a blockbuster trade in which the Golden Knights send Pietrangelo to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for defenseman Bowen Byram and a 2025 second-round pick.
Golden Knights Receive:
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Bowen Byram
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2025 second-round pick
Sabres Receive:
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Alex Pietrangelo
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2025 fourth-round pick
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2027 fourth-round pick
This proposed trade would be a significant move, with Vegas swapping the veteran Pietrangelo for the younger Byram and additional draft picks. The move would also create salary cap space for the Golden Knights to pursue star free agents.
Byram, a pending restricted free agent, is expected to earn a modest contract, which would allow Vegas to save cap room while adding a capable replacement for Pietrangelo. Byram posted 7 goals and 31 assists for 38 points in 82 games.
On the other hand, Pietrangelo, who has two years remaining on his seven-year, $61.6 million contract, would provide the Sabres with a veteran presence on their blue line. His leadership would be valuable for Buffalo’s young roster as they look to break through. Last season with the Golden Knights, Pietrangelo registered 4 goals and 29 assists for 33 points in 71 games.
Golden Knights Coach Confident in Current Roster
Despite being eliminated in the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs by the Edmonton Oilers, Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy expressed satisfaction with the roster, believing the team had what it took to win.
“I like our team,” Cassidy stated. “I don’t have a problem with any player in that room, I think every one of them is a great teammate. They care about one another. Are there areas of our game we could complement better? Probably. We’ll evaluate that.”
Cassidy also noted that while the team had no major disappointments, they would likely need to make adjustments to improve.
General Manager Kelly McCrimmon shared Cassidy’s view, stating, “I feel our team was good enough to win.”
The Golden Knights, of course, won the Stanley Cup in 2023.
Sabres Captain Calls for Improved Leadership
The Buffalo Sabres have not made the playoffs since 2011, and they are determined to end that drought this season. The team boasts a talented, young core, but captain Rasmus Dahlin believes they still need to improve their leadership.
“We got better, especially the leadership,” Dahlin commented. “We took the right steps and played the right way, night in and night out, we played a more mature game. I think we can, for sure, build for next season.”
In this trade, Pietrangelo’s experience and two Stanley Cup championships would add significant leadership to the Sabres, helping guide the team as they aim to push for the playoffs in the coming seasons.
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