To the Vegas Golden Knights:
Jack Eichel is giving you a once-in-a-lifetime endorsement. The superstar center told the press at the NHL's media day on Wednesday that he would love nothing more than to stay in Las Vegas. All it took was 10 words.
"I mean, at this moment, yeah, I'd like to stay."Jack Eichel to the NHL media
When you have a chance to extend a superstar who set franchise records in assists (66, delightfully devilish) and points (94), you must take it. Add in 1.22 points per game in 2024-25 and this seems like a no-brainer. Considering plenty of pundits and experts believe that the center will take a deal around $13 million, it's a sweetheart deal to sign.
Kelly McCrimmon understands this and has reiterated that bringing back the former Sabre is the team's top priority.
"He's one of the top guys in the NHL. He's got great character, great leadership. That'll be a really important piece of business for us. We sure hope to keep Jack in our organization. I hope that we can find common ground."Kelly McCrimmon
Currently, talks between McCrimmon and Eichel's agent, Pat Brisson, are in the early stages. However, the superstar is confident that a deal will be done, saying that talks are 'trending.' That's an encouraging sign for a team whose fan base is worried that he won't get a new deal with Vegas before July 2026.
There's a subtle feeling that everything is coming together for Jack Eichel and the Vegas Golden Knights
Kelly McCrimmon says that re-signing Jack Eichel is a top priority. Jack Eichel says that he wants to stay here. Put two and two together and the answer is obvious. Both sides want a deal to be done.
While the Golden Knights haven't struck "gold" with a new deal yet, it seems like that might be coming to an end. Word from the streets are that a deal is progressing and both sides want to get a deal done. It seems like an amicable relationship will be extended for a few more years before July 2026.
That comes with a good reason, too. Eichel endured a torturous relationship with the Buffalo Sabres before 2021-22, dealing with many issues with his old club. That included not getting the surgery he wanted and dealing with constant losing, which grated on his poor soul. Mitch Marner can only feel how bad it was for Eichel since he came from a similar situation.
Besides, what sense would it make to sign one superstar and let another go? It would be mind-baffling wizardry similar to what they're doing in the Pacific Northwest. It would tarnish Kelly McCrimmon's reputation to another level and make him an NHL laughingstock. If there was another reason why the Golden Knights didn't need any more noise, this is it.
Luckily, it seems like there's some traction in a new deal happening. It might be in the infant stages. However, both sides want a deal done and Eichel says that things are trending. Therefore, let's take it easy and relax before July 2026 rolls around.