Vegas Golden Knights: Main Takeaways from the Trade Deadline
3. Engelland’s final hurrah
The last bit of business conducted by the Vegas Golden Knights on Monday saw them sign veteran defenseman Nick Holden to a two-year, $3,400,000 contract.
It was a deserved extension for the 32-year-old who has really blossomed this year, becoming one of the most reliable presences on the blueline.
Holden has formed a solid understanding with Shea Theodore and, as a result of his play, he will now remain in Vegas for at least the next two years.
And, the new deal also probably signalled the beginning of the end for Deryk Engelland, who is a UFA in the summer.
Engelland has struggled this year and he’s only skated in 49 games, recording six points (one goal, five assists) with a +6 rating.
In truth, this was likely to be Engelland’s last year anyway, but when you look at the defenseman under contract for next year and beyond in the wake of Holden’s extension, it all but confirms it.
- Nate Schmidt (2025-26)
- Shea Theodore (2025-26)
- Alec Martinez (2021-22)
- Brayden McNabb (2022-23)
- Nick Holden (2022-23)
- Nic Hague (2022-23)
Jon Merrill and Zach Whitecloud are both pending free agents in the off-season, but it is likely that Whitecloud will be re-signed.
Next. The real work starts now. dark
As a result, I wouldn’t be surprised if both Merrill and Engelland are allowed to walk, and Holden’s extension probably sealed their fate.