The Vegas Golden Knights have signed defenseman Dylan Coghlan to a one-year contract with a $775,000 cap hit. The deal brings Coghlan back to Vegas, where he began his NHL career. The announcement was confirmed by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.

Coghlan, now 28 years old, was originally signed by the Golden Knights as an undrafted free agent in 2017. He played 88 games with the team during the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons. During his time with Vegas, Coghlan played a depth role and demonstrated his versatility, even filling in as a winger when needed. In 2022, he was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes as part of a salary-clearing move involving Max Pacioretty.

After his stint with the Hurricanes, where he played 18 games over two seasons, Coghlan was traded to the Winnipeg Jets. During the 2024-25 season, he appeared in six NHL games for the Jets and also played 36 games for their AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose, where he recorded 28 points (12 goals, 16 assists).

Throughout his NHL career, Coghlan has played 112 games with the Golden Knights, Hurricanes, and Jets, accumulating six goals and 22 points. 19 of those points and all six goals were scored during his time with the Golden Knights, including a hat trick against the Minnesota Wild in 2021. Additionally, in his AHL career, he has scored 56 goals and has a total of 136 points in 228 games.

Coghlan's return to Vegas comes at a time when the team's defensive depth is being tested. Veteran defenseman Alex Pietrangelo is stepping away from hockey due to health concerns, and Nicolas Hague was recently traded to Nashville. These roster changes create an opportunity for Coghlan to compete for a spot on the Golden Knights' blue line.

Coghlan's offensive capabilities could provide a unique skillset to the Golden Knights. Throughout his AHL career, he has consistently scored goals from the point, showcasing his offensive talent. His offensive upside makes him a valuable asset as a potential sixth or seventh defenseman.

The Golden Knights have been active this offseason, also acquiring forward Mitch Marner from the Toronto Maple Leafs. The team also traded Nicolas Hague to Nashville for defenseman Jeremy Lauzon and center Colton Sissons. These moves, along with the signing of Coghlan, demonstrate the Golden Knights' commitment to building a competitive roster for the upcoming season.