Robert Edwards-USA Today Sports
Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo has withdrawn from Team Canada for the 4 Nations Playing Tournament.
The team announced Sunday that the two-time Stanley Cup champion would not participate in the tournament “to deal with an illness and prepare for the remainder of the regular season” with the Golden Knights.
UPDATE: Alex Pietrangelo will withdraw from the 2025 showdown to deal with an illness and prepare for the remainder of the regular season with Vegas. #Vegasborn
– Vegas Golden Knights (@goldenknights) January 26, 2025
This news will require Canada’s leadership, including general manager Don Sweeney, GM Jim Nill and head coach Jon Cooper, to decide on a replacement for Pietrangelo.
Vegas is currently tied with the Carolina Hurricanes on points for fourth place in the league. Additionally, they are one point behind the Edmonton Oilers for first place in the Pacific Division.
The 35-year-old Blueliner suffered a minor upper body injury in November that kept him out of action every day. However, he returned to the team less than a week after the news broke.
In his 17th NHL season, the veteran played over 1,000 games. Pietrangelo also played in 139 playoff games over 11 campaigns. The team and player believe he could benefit from the two-week break during the tournament.
Pietrangelo played 46 games this season with Vegas, scoring three goals and 25 points. He is also fifth on the team in plus minuses with a plus-11 rating.
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Several defensemen were not selected for Team Canada on December 4 and could be considered with Pietrangelo. Some potential replacements include Drew Doughty, Aaron Ekblad, Dougie Hamilton and more.
When the four teams were announced, Los Angeles Kings D-Man Doughty was out with a serious injury he suffered in the preseason. He broke his left ankle in an exhibition game against the Golden Knights and has missed time since.
Doughty has yet to play in a game this season for the Kings. However, Canada’s management regards him highly and he is close to returning as he has been back to participating in practice.
Ekblad is also an option as he led the way back for the Florida Panthers during last season’s run to the first Stanley Cup in franchise history.
On the other hand, Canada’s leadership has proven that it is not afraid to make bold decisions.
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