The Nashville Predators made headlines by acquiring defenseman Nic Hague from the Vegas Golden Knights. As part of the deal, the 26-year-old blueliner is signing a four-year, $22 million extension, carrying an average annual value of $5.5 million. While the Predators see this as a move to bolster their blue line, fans and analysts aren’t sold on the price tag.
NHL Reactions Mixed as Nic Hague Joins Predators With Pricey Extension
Not long after the deal was reported by NHL insiders Darren Dreger and Elliotte Friedman, fans took to social media to weigh in on the move. The reactions were far from kind.
“Overpay yikes,” wrote one fan on X, formerly Twitter.
Overpay yikes
— Richard Denomme (@RichardDenomme) June 30, 2025
Another user called Hague an “overpriced bum,”
Over priced bum
— Nate (@realnateyeg) June 30, 2025
While one went as far as to say, “Might be the worst contract of all time.”
Might be the worst contract of all time
— Bidou_V (@ZeBidou18) June 30, 2025
A few were quick to point out his limited offensive upside. “5.5 for a guy with 12 points on the season??? What is going on here?” posted one user.
5.5 for a guy with 12 points on the season??? What is going on here?
— Indy Vidual (@LilMonkva) June 30, 2025
Even one fan weighed in with Hague’s performance analysis from Puckpedia: “Nic Hague, acquired and signed 4x$5.5M by NSH, is a very large third-pair defenceman who clears the crease, sometimes drops the gloves, and spends as little time with the puck as he possibly can.”
Nic Hague, acquired and signed 4x$5.5M by NSH, is a very large third-pair defenceman who clears the crease, sometimes drops the gloves, and spends as little time with the puck as he possibly can. #Preds pic.twitter.com/9vzB2RMTZc
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) June 30, 2025
Despite the criticism, the Predators value Hague’s size and grit. At 6’6″ and 245 pounds, he’s built for the physical side of the game. Last season with the Golden Knights, he posted five goals and seven assists in 68 games. He added two more points during the playoffs.
Nic Hague’s Contract a Risk or Just Part of the Plan?
The trade package included veteran center Colton Sissons and defenseman Jeremy Lauzon heading to the Golden Knights. Both players bring physicality and experience. Sissons logged 21 points in 72 games, while Lauzon chipped in one assist in 28 appearances, along with over 120 hits.
Jeremy Lauzon and Colton Sissons going back to Vegas in trade for Nic Hague. https://t.co/fTtJAKUEE9
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 30, 2025
Golden Knights, reportedly in talks involving Mitch Marner, were likely motivated by cap flexibility. Hague’s pending RFA status and future arbitration rights may have complicated matters.
The timing of the trade comes just ahead of NHL free agency. With the Predators missing the postseason in two of the last three years, management appears focused on restructuring.
For Nashville, this is about adding muscle on the back end. Hague may not rack up points, but his presence can’t be ignored. Whether the $5.5M per year deal pays off remains to be seen.
In the short term, Vegas gets more flexibility and two rugged veterans. And in a league where physical play still has its place, maybe Nashville sees something others don’t.
