### Predators Strengthen Defense by Acquiring Nicolas Hague in Trade with Golden Knights The Nashville Predators have made a significant move in the NHL by acquiring defenseman Nicolas Hague from the Vegas Golden Knights. This trade, which took place on June 30, 2025, involved the Predators sending center Colton Sissons and defenseman Jeremy Lauzon to Vegas. Following the trade, Nashville signed Hague to a four-year contract worth $22 million, solidifying their defensive lineup as they prepare for the upcoming season. This transaction comes as the Golden Knights look to free up salary cap space, potentially to pursue other high-profile players, including Mitch Marner from the Toronto Maple Leafs [https://apnews.com/article/predators-golden-knights-trade-hague-sissons-09ac6c11c6be8473c891f7aef4aedc60][https://www.nhl.com/goldenknights/news/vegas-golden-knights-acquire-defenseman-jeremy-lauzon-and-forward-colton-sissons-from-nashville-predators]. ### Breakdown of the Trade and Its Implications 1. **Trade Details**: - The Predators acquired Nicolas Hague, a restricted free agent, along with a conditional third-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft. - In return, the Golden Knights received Colton Sissons and Jeremy Lauzon, both experienced players [https://www.nhl.com/predators/news/predators-acquire-nicolas-hague-conditional-third-round-pick-in-2027-nhl-draft-from-vegas-2025-06-29][https://www.nhl.com/news/nicolas-hague-traded-to-nashville-from-vegas-signs-4-year-contract]. 2. **Contract Signing**: - Hague signed a four-year deal with the Predators valued at $22 million, which translates to an annual cap hit of $5.5 million [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/golden_knights_trade_hague_to_predators_for_lauzon_sissons/s1_16448_42393645][https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/goldenknights/knights-make-late-night-trade-send-defenseman-to-predators-3390862]. 3. **Strategic Moves**: - The trade allows the Golden Knights to alleviate salary cap pressure, especially as they eye potential acquisitions, including Marner, who had a standout season [https://www.espn.co.uk/nhl/story/_/id/45612849/golden-knights-deal-nicolas-hague-predators]. - For the Predators, acquiring Hague is seen as a move to enhance their defensive capabilities, with General Manager Barry Trotz emphasizing Hague's physicality and skating ability as valuable assets [https://www.nhl.com/predators/news/predators-acquire-nicolas-hague-conditional-third-round-pick-in-2027-nhl-draft-from-vegas-2025-06-29][https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/nashville_predators_acquire_defenceman_and_sign_him_to_a_new_contract/s1_17203_42394802]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Nicolas Hague's Performance**: - In the 2024-2025 season, Hague recorded **5 goals and 12 points** in **68 games** with the Golden Knights [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/golden_knights_trade_hague_to_predators_for_lauzon_sissons/s1_16448_42393645]. - Over his six-year career, he has accumulated **83 points** (20 goals, 63 assists) in **364 games** [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/nashville_predators_acquire_defenceman_and_sign_him_to_a_new_contract/s1_17203_42394802]. - **Trade Context**: - The trade is part of a broader strategy by the Golden Knights to manage their salary cap effectively, especially with the anticipated absence of defenseman Alex Pietrangelo for the upcoming season [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/nashville_predators_acquire_defenceman_and_sign_him_to_a_new_contract/s1_17203_42394802][https://www.nhl.com/news/nicolas-hague-traded-to-nashville-from-vegas-signs-4-year-contract]. ### Conclusion: A Strategic Shift for Both Teams In summary, the trade of Nicolas Hague to the Nashville Predators represents a strategic shift for both the Predators and the Golden Knights. 1. **Predators' Acquisition**: - **Strengthened Defense**: By acquiring Hague, the Predators enhance their defensive lineup, aiming for a more competitive edge in the upcoming season. - **Long-term Commitment**: The four-year contract indicates Nashville's confidence in Hague's abilities to contribute significantly to their success. 2. **Golden Knights' Cap Management**: - **Salary Cap Relief**: The trade allows Vegas to free up cap space, potentially facilitating future acquisitions, including high-profile players like Mitch Marner. - **Veteran Addition**: Bringing in Sissons and Lauzon adds depth and experience to the Golden Knights' roster. This trade not only reshapes the rosters of both teams but also sets the stage for an intriguing offseason as they prepare for the next NHL season [https://www.nhl.com/goldenknights/news/vegas-golden-knights-acquire-defenseman-jeremy-lauzon-and-forward-colton-sissons-from-nashville-predators][https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/goldenknights/knights-make-late-night-trade-send-defenseman-to-predators-3390862].