The Vegas Golden Knights have made a powerful statement about their future by signing goaltender Adin Hill to a six-year contract extension worth $37.5 million. This deal, which carries an average annual value (AAV) of $6.25 million, ensures Hill’s presence with the team through the 2030-31 NHL season. Widely regarded as one of the key reasons behind the Golden Knights’ rise to prominence, this move solidifies Hill's role as a cornerstone of the franchise as they aim to build on their championship success.
Hill earned this extension through his remarkable journey and crucial contributions to the Golden Knights, most notably during the team’s historic first Stanley Cup win in 2023. Entering the postseason with zero prior playoff experience and stepping into a challenging starting role due to injuries, Hill exceeded all expectations. His postseason performance became the stuff of legend, boasting an 11-4 record, a stellar 2.17 goals-against average (GAA), and an NHL playoffs-best .932 save percentage. Hill’s ability to shine in high-pressure moments and elevate his game in critical matchups proved instrumental to the Golden Knights’ championship run.
The significance of Hill's new deal lies not only in his postseason heroics but also in his current form during the 2023-24 regular season. In what is shaping up to be one of his strongest campaigns yet, the 27-year-old netminder has appeared in a career-high 53 games, posting a solid 2.53 GAA and a respectable .906 save percentage. One of his standout performances this season came in a 27-save shutout against the Columbus Blue Jackets, a game that further underscored his reliability and consistency in net. Hill’s ability to deliver in critical moments during both the playoffs and the regular season makes him an invaluable asset for the Golden Knights as they pursue further success.
What makes Hill’s ascension even more remarkable is the journey he undertook before arriving in Vegas. Once considered a journeyman goaltender, Hill moved between multiple organizations while struggling to find a secure starting role in the NHL. Prior to the 2023 playoffs, he had never competed in the postseason, and there were doubts about his ability to step up when it mattered most. However, when injuries forced him into the starting role, Hill seized the opportunity and established himself as an elite postseason performer and a critical part of Vegas’ championship puzzle.
Securing Hill’s long-term services addresses both the immediate need for goaltending stability and the team’s aspirations for continued success. Hill entered the 2023-24 season in the final year of his two-year, $9.8 million contract and was set to become an unrestricted free agent. By locking him in with a six-year extension, the Golden Knights not only demonstrate their confidence in Hill as their long-term solution in goal but also avoid exposing themselves to the risks of losing him on the open market.
The details of Hill’s contract further illustrate the calculated thought behind this deal. The modified no-trade clause provides Hill with some control over his future while giving the Golden Knights flexibility. Starting with a 10-team no-trade list in the first two years, shifting to an eight-team list in the middle years, and concluding with a six-team list, the franchise has allowed itself options to adapt as needed. Simultaneously, this structure offers Hill a level of security as he spends his prime years in Las Vegas.
Hill’s extension is part of a broader strategy by the Golden Knights to maintain and build upon their championship-winning core. In addition to Hill, the team has also inked crucial players like Shea Theodore, Brayden McNabb, Brett Howden, and Keegan Kolesar to new deals, showcasing their commitment to sustained success. With approximately $10.5 million in projected cap space for the next season, the Golden Knights have managed to balance securing their top talent with maintaining flexibility necessary to stay competitive in the ever-challenging NHL landscape.
Following the announcement of his new deal, Hill expressed his gratitude toward the Golden Knights organization, his teammates, and the city of Las Vegas. Speaking highly of the team’s culture and the passionate fan base, Hill’s remarks reflect a strong bond with the franchise and its community. This level of loyalty is emblematic of the Golden Knights' philosophy of cultivating a strong connection between players and fans, a factor that undoubtedly played a role in Hill’s decision to remain with the team long-term.
Adin Hill’s six-year contract extension isn’t just a milestone for the goaltender; it’s a pivotal moment for the Vegas Golden Knights. It symbolizes a trust and belief in Hill to anchor the team’s goaltending for years to come. As Hill prepares to write the next chapter of his career with the Golden Knights, the city of Las Vegas eagerly awaits more standout performances and, potentially, additional Stanley Cup celebrations. This deal is a testament to the team’s commitment to excellence and its vision of creating a legacy of sustained success.