Vegas Signs Nate Schmidt to Six-Year Extension

The Vegas Golden Knights announced the signing of defenseman Nate Schmidt to a six -year, $35.7-million contract extension. The deal carries an average annual value of $5.95-million and includes a limited no-trade clause.

Schmidt is currently serving a suspension for performance-enhancing drugs and is yet to play a game this season. His tentative debut is set for November 18 against the Edmonton Oilers. Golden Knights’ general manager George McPhee said the suspension did not at all impact Schmidt’s contract negotiations.

“He’s the kind of defenseman every team in this league is looking for,” said McPhee. “He’s unique in that he’s become a shut-down defenseman, but he also brings offense and pace.”

After being claimed from Washington in the expansion draft, Schmidt enjoyed a breakout year with the Golden Knights last season. The 27-year-old blueliner racked up a career-high five goals and 31 assists in 76 games for Vegas.

After creating a Stanley Cup finalist from scratch last summer, McPhee has worked diligently to lock up the core of last year’s cup run. The team secured long-term extensions for Marc-Andre Fleury and Shea Theodore prior to the start of the season, and just announced a seven-year contract extension for Alex Tuch on October 19. Tuch registered 15 goals and 22 assists for Vegas last season, while Theodore picked up 29 points in 61 games. Fleury enjoyed a renaissance of a season in 2017-18, posting a 29-13-4 record and a .927 SV%. The Golden Knights are off to a relatively slow start this season with a 4-4-1 record.