Alex Pietrangelo’s Upcoming Surgery

Stanley Cup champion Alex Pietrangelo is expected to step away from the ice soon as he prepares for bilateral femoral reconstruction, according to a statement from the Vegas Golden Knights on Monday.

The organization mentioned that there’s no guarantee the surgery will be successful.

General manager Kelly McCrimmon emphasized that the team fully supports Pietrangelo in prioritizing his long-term health. He explained that Alex has been managing hip issues that necessitate this surgery, which poses risks without any guarantees of success. Over the course of the season, the demands of playing and practicing have begun to take a significant toll on his body.

Initially, the hope was that treatment and rest would suffice to bring him back during the breaks. However, it seems that the process was becoming unsustainable, resulting in major challenges for Alex as he strove to contribute fully to the team and aim for another Stanley Cup title.

McCrimmon praised Pietrangelo, noting his reputation in the league not just for his skills, but for his leadership and professionalism. He acknowledged the tough decisions made for both the player and the team, saying they were ultimately in everyone’s best interest.

Pietrangelo, who signed a seven-year contract with the Golden Knights in October 2020, played a pivotal role in their 2023 triumph. Unfortunately, injuries have greatly affected his physical condition.

In his own words, Pietrangelo expressed how the past few years have challenged his overall well-being and how he has decided, after discussions with his family and doctors, to step back from hockey. He hopes this will allow his body a chance to recover and improve his quality of life. It’s undoubtedly a tough decision after 17 years of competitive play and the friendships formed within the team.

At 35, Pietrangelo has achieved 637 points in 1,087 NHL games, contributing 148 goals and 489 assists.