A Former Golden Knights Fan Favorite Has Resurfaced In New York

Remember Ben Hutton? Well, the former Vegas Golden Knights defenseman might be getting another chance to stick around in the NHL.

The New York Islanders announced Monday that they've signed Hutton to a professional tryout (PTO), giving the 33-year-old a chance to earn a spot on their roster.

Hutton spent the last five seasons in Vegas. And if you're good at math, you've probably already figured out that he was part of the Golden Knights' Stanley Cup-winning team in 2023.

He wasn't exactly the guy everyone was buying jerseys for, but Hutton was one of those players you didn't mind seeing in the lineup. He knew his role, didn't need much attention and was there when the Golden Knights needed him.

And believe it or not, he actually had his best goal-scoring season last year.

Hutton scored six goals in 55 games, a career high, and added nine assists to finish with 15 points. He also played seven games during Vegas' run to the 2026 Stanley Cup Final, recording one assist.

For a guy who spent much of his time in Vegas as a depth defenseman, that's not a bad way to finish his tenure.

Hutton has been around the NHL for quite some time, too. He broke into the league with the Vancouver Canucks in 2015 and later played for the Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks and Toronto Maple Leafs before joining the Golden Knights in 2021.

He's played 575 NHL games over his career, putting up 139 points on 30 goals and 109 assists.

And while his numbers probably won't blow anyone away, Hutton does have something a lot of players would love to have on their résumé: a Stanley Cup championship.

He also has a gold medal from the 2016 IIHF World Championship with Canada, so winning isn't exactly unfamiliar territory for him.

Whether he ends up sticking with the Islanders remains to be seen. A PTO doesn't guarantee a contract, and Hutton will have to earn his place.

But for Golden Knights fans who remember him from that 2023 championship team, it's good to see a familiar face getting another opportunity.