Golden Knights sign Nicolas Hague to three-year contract

One of the final dominos from the restricted free agent pool has finally fallen.

The Vegas Golden Knights have signed defenseman Nicolas Hague to a three-year deal worth $2,294,150 per season.

Hague will have one year before being eligible for UFA status when his deal expires.

Hague, 23, is a tough two-way defenseman with 30 points in 142 games over three seasons. Hague was a big part of the Chicago Wolves’ run to the 2019 Calder Cup final before becoming a full-time member of Vegas’ blueline core.

Hague will likely slot in on Vegas’ third pairing with Zach Whitecloud. Hague averaged 18:40 in ice time a year ago, besting his previous high of 16:05 as a rookie.

Hague missed 30 games last year due to a lower-body issue. He has not found success in the NHL, the three-year deal shows the team is willing to work with the young defender.

The Golden Knights entered the summer with one of the tightest cap situations. GM Kelly McCrimmon moved Max Pacioretty to Carolina for future considerations and have Robin Lehner, Shea Weber and Nolan Patrick on long-term injured reserve to receive some relief. Laurent Brossoit also missed training camp with hip surgery with no timetable for his return, so adding him to LTIR would help clear even more space.