Eichel Prioritizes Vegas: Wants to Stay, Seeks New Contract with Golden Knights

HENDERSON, Nev. – Jack Eichel has expressed his desire to secure his future with the Vegas Golden Knights, focusing on a new contract with the team instead of exploring the free agent market next summer.

Right now, yes, I would like to stay.

Jack Eichel

Eichel, 28, is in the final season of an eight-year contract he signed in 2017 with the Buffalo Sabres. This season he will receive $10 million, which is also the salary cap hit on that contract. Last season, he led the Golden Knights in scoring, accumulating 94 points in 77 games. His average of 1.10 points per game over the last three seasons ranks him 16th among all NHL players. Despite being a coveted player in the free agent market, Eichel indicated that he has no plans to test it.

Not at the moment. I love the organization. I love living here. I love the guys in the locker room. I love the people in the city. I love the fans. It’s a great place to live. It’s a great place to play hockey. I think there are a lot of things to love and I’m very happy here.

Jack Eichel

Vegas general manager Kelly McCrimmon stated after last season that Eichel’s renewal is “an important matter” for the Golden Knights.

He is one of the best players in the NHL. He has great character, great leadership. That will be a very important part for us. We really hope to keep Jack in our organization. I hope we can find common ground.

Kelly McCrimmon

Conversations between Eichel’s agent, Pat Brisson, and McCrimmon are in their early stages, but the star center is optimistic about the process.

I would say it’s ‘trending’. I don’t know how to judge the situation. For me, it’s more about trying to focus on preparing for the season.

Jack Eichel

Last season, the Golden Knights reached the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, defeating the Minnesota Wild before being eliminated by the Edmonton Oilers in five games. The Knights have not advanced beyond the second round in any postseason since winning the Stanley Cup in 2023. Known for not settling, McCrimmon made the most significant move of the NHL offseason by trading for Toronto Maple Leafs star winger Mitch Marner, who then signed an eight-year, $96 million contract before free agency.