Veteran defenseman Jaycob Megna has reached agreement on a two-year, one-way deal with the Vegas Golden Knights, announced Tuesday by his representatives at Bartlett Hockey. The contract is valued at $1.6 million in total, with an average annual salary and salary cap hit of $800,000. This Jaycob Megna Vegas contract strengthens Vegas’s defensive depth ahead of the new NHL season.
Megna’s Journey to the NHL and Professional Experience
Selected 210th overall in the seventh round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft by the Anaheim Ducks, Megna, a 32-year-old left-handed defenseman, built his foundation through collegiate hockey at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. After four seasons in the AHL with the Norfolk Admirals and San Diego Gulls, he debuted in the NHL during Anaheim’s 2016-2017 campaign.
Megna later earned a more prominent role during his two-season stint with the San Jose Sharks from 2021 to 2023, contributing 20 points and maintaining a plus-5 rating over 92 games. His NHL career also includes time with the Seattle Kraken, Chicago Blackhawks, and most recently, the Florida Panthers, where he appeared in eight regular-season games this year. In the AHL with the Charlotte Checkers, Megna posted a plus-26 rating with 16 points in 64 games, showcasing his solid defensive play and reliability.
Strengthening Vegas Golden Knights’ Defensive Roster
Megna’s addition provides important defensive reinforcement to the Golden Knights, a team that has made notable moves this offseason. Earlier Tuesday, Vegas finalized the acquisition of star winger Mitch Marner through a sign-and-trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Meanwhile, longtime defenseman Alex Pietrangelo announced his retirement due to injury issues, creating room for fresh depth on the blue line.
The team’s returning defense core features players like Shea Theodore, Noah Hanifin, Brayden McNabb, Zach Whitecloud, Jeremy Lauzon, Ben Hutton, and Kaeden Korczak. Megna’s extensive NHL and AHL experience will be particularly valuable for the team’s Henderson affiliate and readying him for NHL duties if roster adjustments or injuries arise during the season.
Implications for the Golden Knights’ Defensive Strategy
Megna’s signing signals Vegas’s commitment to reinforcing their defensive lineup with a dependable, experienced player who can contribute at both the NHL and AHL levels. His presence adds stability and flexibility in managing roster rotations, especially considering recent changes with key personnel. This move should help the Golden Knights maintain a competitive edge as they prepare for the upcoming NHL season.