Alex Pietrangelo Update

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, who has been away from the team since their loss to the Vancouver Canucks on Nov. 26 due to a personal matter, will be away from the team indefinitely. 

The Golden Knights released a statement on Wednesday clarifying the defenseman's absence. 

"Alex Pietrangelo is away from the team and will remain out indefinitely due to an illness in the family," read the statement. "The Vegas Golden Knights wholeheartedly support Alex and the Pietrangelos and ask that the family's privacy be respected at this time."

Pietrangelo, 32, was one of the driving forces of the Golden Knights franchise's best start this season. He has 21 points (3-18-21) in just 23 games and averaged 23:29 of ice time per game. 

This is his third season with the Golden Knights after 12 seasons with the St. Louis Blues. 

The Golden Knights' defense has struggled to replace their top defenseman. The Golden Knights squandered 2-0 leads in his first two absences. Ben Hutton was initially re-inserted into the lineup. However, Daniil Miromanov was recalled from the Henderson Silver Knights and thrust into the NHL lineup. 

Miromanov, 25, has played the last three games and seen over 16 minutes of ice time in two of the three. However, he does not yet have his first point. 

On behalf of Vegas Hockey Now, the National Hockey Now family offers our support and well wishes to the Pietrangelo family.