Daily Nuggets

Daily Nuggets: Signings; Golden Knights Trade Hague; Tampering?

Published

2 weeks ago

June 30, 2025

Vegas Golden Knights defensemen Nicolas Hague (14) and Alex Pietrangelo (7) celebrate after Hague's goal during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Sunday, March 23, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)

Good morning, folks. Free Agency begins in just over 24 hours. Fasten your seatbelts and keep all your limbs inside the vehicle– soon, the fun really begins. The Golden Knights swung a late-night trade on Sunday, sending Nic Hague’s RFA rights to the Nashville Predators. Unfortunately, there’s also some bad news– their pursuit of Mitch Marner could land them in a bit of hot water.

Elsewhere in the Daily Nuggets, quite a few players became very wealthy on Sunday. Around the league, General Managers turned into Oprah: you get a contract, you get a contract, everybody gets a contract! The Panthers are still hopeful to get Aaron Ekblad and Brad Marchand signed. In addition, the Red Wings continue to try and lock up Patrick Kane.

Golden Knights News

Buckle up, because this one’s a doozy. On Sunday’s episode of the 32 Thoughts Podcast, Elliotte Friedman dropped a nuclear bomb while listing reasons why the Golden Knights were trying to trade for Mitch Marner’s signing rights. After providing two feasible reasons, he insinuated the Toronto Maple Leafs were strong-arming the Golden Knights into giving up assets. Per Friedman, if the Maple Leafs don’t get a player they want, they’ll go after the Golden Knights for tampering.

Is everybody awake? Good, because here’s a trade! On Sunday night, the Golden Knights sent Nic Hague to the Nashville Predators in exchange for two roster players. Immediately after acquiring Hague, the Predators signed him to a contract the Golden Knights never could’ve afforded to offer.

NHL News, Rumors, & National Hockey Now

Sportsnet: On Sunday, the Toronto Maple Leafs inked 22-year-old RFA Matthew Knies to a six-year contract extension worth $7.75 million per year. Hey, maybe they’ll re-sign Mitch Marner and bring back the Core Four! (Kidding.)

The Athletic ($): All 32 teams have their own unique sets of circumstances, and thus, they have their own unique conundrums. What is every team’s toughest decision during 2025 Free Agency?

Detroit Hockey Now: The Red Wings want to re-sign Patrick Kane. In turn, Kane wants to sign another contract to stay with the Red Wings. Despite a shockingly long holdup, Steve Yzerman isn’t concerned.

Boston Hockey Now: Cha-ching! After a career year, the Bruins rewarded RFA Morgan Geekie with a six-year contract extension worth $5.5 million per year.

Ottawa Hockey Now: Contracts for everyone! After finding common ground on bonus structures, the Senators re-signed hometown kid Claude Giroux to a one-year deal.

New York Islanders Hockey Now: The Islanders are closing in on a contract extension with Alexander Romanov. What could this deal look like?

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Well, now we know why the NHL Draft wasn’t as exciting as we’d hoped. Penguins GM Kyle Dubas pushed hard, trying to trade up into the top 10; unfortunately, nobody wanted to tango.

Florida Hockey Now: Panthers Free Agents Aaron Ekblad and Brad Marchand will both hit the market in just a little over 24 hours. However, GM Bill Zito isn’t phased– he still hopes to get them both signed.