The Vegas Golden Knights are coming off a very successful offseason. Vegas made one notable move this summer. However, that move was a rather significant one. The Golden Knights acquired Mitch Marner in a sign-and-trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs before NHL Free Agency opened. As the season approaches, the eyes of the Sin City now turn to Jack Eichel.
The Golden Knights are very excited to pair Eichel and Marner together. However, the partnership is currently only scheduled to last one season. Eichel is a free agent next summer, and he has yet to sign a new contract.
The former second-overall pick is an important part of this Vegas team. In 2024-25, he became the first player in franchise history to score more than 80 points in a single season. He went on to finish the year with 28 goals and 94 points in 77 games.
Losing Eichel would be a major loss for this team. The Golden Knights would certainly remain a playoff contender. But it’s tough to replace a player of his caliber. Thankfully, it does not appear as if fans have much to worry about.
Eichel still needs to sign a new contract, and this is being discussed. However, he is not changing anything about his approach to the upcoming season. “For me, it’s business as usual,” Eichel told NHL.com at the NHL/NHLPA North American Player Media Tour on Wednesday, via NHL.com’s Dan Rosen.
Jack Eichel Focusing On 2025-26 Preparation
Harry How/Getty ImagesJack Eichel has no concerns about his contract status with the Vegas Golden Knights.
Some players want to be involved in these negotiations. They want to know how things are progressing and what’s going on. Eichel, however, is not worrying about it. At this point, he wants to focus on the season ahead.
“Things like that kind of take care of themselves when you’re focused on the right things. I know that will sort itself out. Moreso, my mentality is we’re starting training camp, we’re starting the season and how do I be the best version of myself to help our team win, be a good teammate. We’ll see what happens going forward,” Eichel said, via Rosen.
Fans will certainly keep an eye on this situation as the season progresses. A player of Eichel’s caliber hitting free agency could certainly bring a massive shift in the league landscape. However, things don’t point to the former second-overall pick hitting NHL Free Agency next summer. At least, that’s if the Golden Knights have their way.
Golden Knights Have Stated Eichel Intentions
The Golden Knights have a few other things they need to take care of. At the same time, Eichel is the top priority for this franchise. General manager Kelly McCrimmon mentioned as much back in May.
Vegas shouldn’t have any issue making an Eichel extension work, either. They are projected to have more than $20 million in salary cap space available next summer, according to PuckPedia. Eichel is the only free agent-to-be expected to receive a significant pay rise.
The Golden Knights do have contracts coming up following the summer of 2026. However, that’s a bridge they appear willing to cross when they reach it. For now, their main objective is keeping Eichel in Gold for the foreseeable future.
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