The Vegas Golden Knights have made a significant move, trading defenseman Nicolas Hague to the Nashville Predators for Jeremy Lauzon and Colton Sissons. This deal frees up salary-cap space for the Knights, potentially allowing them to pursue star player Mitch Marner. Hague, who has spent his entire career with the Knights, recently signed a four-year deal with the Predators worth $5.5 million per season. Last season, he scored five goals and registered 12 points.

The Knights' decision to trade Hague before he became a restricted free agent reflects their strategy to bolster their defensive lineup, addressing the issues that plagued them last season, including a defense that allowed 274 goals. Lauzon, who brings depth to the blue line, played only 28 games last season, while Sissons contributes face-off expertise, having recorded 21 points in 72 games with Nashville.