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Vegas Golden Knights sign Nate Schmidt to six-year extension worth $35.7 million

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The Vegas Golden Knights just locked up suspended defenseman Nate Schmidt until 2025.

Golden Knights general manager George McPhee announced early Thursday morning that Schmidt agreed to a six-year extension worth an average annual value of $5.95 million. The deal, which begins next season, will make Schmidt the highest paid defenseman on the Golden Knights and the 23rd highest paid rearguard in the league.

Schmidt, the team’s number one defenseman, was slated to become an unrestricted free agent in July.

The move comes at a curious time though. In early September, Schmidt was suspended 20 games for testing positive for performance-enhancing substances. Instead of staying home in Sin City, the defenseman flew to Austria and is currently practicing with the Vienna Capitals as he tries to stay in good shape. Schmidt is eligible to return to game action on November 18 at Edmonton.

Schmidt posted a video online after the signing was announced.

“Hey, Golden Knights fans. Schmidty here, live from Vienna, Austria. Just wanted to say, I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of this group, this city, for the next six years. Words can’t even describe it. I couldn’t think of myself being anywhere but T-Mobile Arena, seeing you guys every single day. I just want to thank everyone for the support through everything that happened.”

Mcphee added that “We’re delighted to get this done. Nate’s a good guy on our team, good guy in the locker room, great guy in this community.”

Last season, according to the Golden Knights, Schmidt led all Vegas players in even strength, power play, and penalty kill minutes. Schmidt played against the fourth highest quality of competition in the NHL.

The Capitals lost Schmidt in the expansion draft during the 2017 offseason.

More from the Vegas Golden Knights:

VEGAS (October 24, 2018) – Vegas Golden Knights General Manager George McPhee announced today, October 24, that the team has signed defenseman Nate Schmidt to a six-year contract extension through the 2024-25 season worth an average annual value of $5,950,000.

Schmidt, 27, had 36 points (5 G, 31 A) and 19 penalty minutes in 76 games during the 2017-18 regular season. He appeared in all 20 games of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, including the Stanley Cup Final, recording seven points (3 G, 4 A) with 4 penalty minutes. In his five NHL seasons, Schmidt has skated in 276 games and has recorded 79 points (13 G, 66 A) to go with 64 penalty minutes.

The St. Cloud, MN native was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights from the Washington Capitals during the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft.

Nate Schmidt , Defenseman
Birthplace: St. Cloud, MN
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 194 lbs.
Age: 27
Draft: Undrafted

Notes:

  • Had 36 points (5 G, 31 A) in 76 games in 2017-18 regular season
  • Collected seven points (3 G, 4 A) in 20 games of 2017-18 Stanley Cup Playoffs, including Stanley Cup Final
  • Has skated in 276 games and has recorded 79 points (13 G, 66 A) to go with 64 penalty minutes in five NHL seasons
  • Spent three years with the Minnesota Golden Gophers and recorded 74 points (12 G, 62 A) in 96 games

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