Jack Eichel Signs Million-Dollar Extension with the Golden Knights
Star player Jack Eichel has secured his future with the Vegas Golden Knights by signing an eight-year contract extension, the team announced on Wednesday. The deal, which will take effect in the 2026-27 season, has an average annual value of $13.5 million. The negotiation intensified during training camp, with both sides focused on securing a long-term agreement before the start of the season. Eichel, who will turn 38 at the end of the contract, will position himself as the third player with the highest average annual value in the league, only behind Kirill Kaprizov and Leon Draisaitl. The American center was in the final year of an eight-year contract with a $10 million impact, originally signed with the Buffalo Sabres, the team that drafted him. In 2021, Eichel was traded to the Golden Knights. The agreement came after Eichel sought artificial disc replacement (ADR) surgery to correct a neck injury, a procedure considered risky at the time. His agent, Pat Brisson, facilitated the trade. The Golden Knights allowed Eichel to undergo the surgery, which was a success and has been replicated by other NHL players. Eichel contributed significantly to the Golden Knights’ Stanley Cup victory in 2023, scoring 26 points in 22 playoff games.Eichel has already been selected to represent the United States at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics. The Golden Knights are expected to be Stanley Cup contenders, especially after the addition of Mitch Marner this summer. It is anticipated that Eichel and Marner will play together on the team’s first line in their opening game against the Kings. This agreement reduces the number of big names available for next summer’s free agency. Connor McDavid also signed a two-year extension with the Edmonton Oilers, and Kirill Kaprizov reached an eight-year agreement with the Minnesota Wild before the start of the season.About four years ago, Jack underwent the first ADR surgery for an active NHL player. He is a pioneer. Vegas stepped up and helped make the process happen. Since then, they have won the Cup. It’s a great place for him, and he is very happy with the decision.
Pat Brisson
