Fans were worried about Jack Eichel being distracted by ongoing contract extension talks with the Vegas Golden Knights during the season. They thought it might caues his production to dip, hurting the team in the process.
Well, that was solved on Wednesday afternoon when he signed an eight-year deal worth $13.5 million AAV. However, that still didn't satisfy those people. Now, they were worried that he might get fat and happy to start the season. After all, you see it all the time from NFL players who get paid.
But that hasn't been the case, either. The newly-extended Golden Knight has scored two goals and four assists to start the season, gifting Vegas three points along the way.
Yeah, I know. Two games! That's not a big deal, right?
Well, it is. Last season, Eichel started his first five games with two goals and eight assists. Where did he end up? With franchise records in assists (66) and points (94). It's no wonder the man got his big contract extension!
His scoring acumen has covered for the Golden Knights in more ways than one. So far, the goaltending has been compromised and the back-end defense hasn't gelled yet. That's why you have franchise faces like the former second-overall pick to take charge. Without them, do they win you hockey games in key situations?
Why Jack Eichel's fast start with the Vegas Golden Knights matters
Okay, let's be honest. Thursday's game against the San Jose Sharks should've been a loss. The Golden Knights were laying goose eggs throughout the game, committing dumb penalties and playing poor defense. However, one key play changed everything for Vegas.
OH NO Jack Eichel scores off a bad bounce to tie the game with less than 2 minutes!!!!! 💀 pic.twitter.com/ABZDdfNv4j
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) October 10, 2025
A last-second poke check led to an incredible Golden Knights goal to tie the game. This was when they had Akira Schmid pulled, trying to salvage a point in the process. Without Eichel's poke check, the conversation surrounding vegas would've been much different.
Sure, his goal was from the blue line and it took a bizarre bounce. But you'll take what you can get, right? After all, you don't want the conversation to be how you can't win the Stanley Cup because of awful defense. That's as fun as waking up to an air siren right in your ear.
But let's also look at Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Kings. The center had a mammoth (not from Utah) game, scoring a goal and three assists. Sure, that same defense let Eichel and the Golden Knights down, leading to a 6-5 shootout loss. But they got a point because of their biggest superstar stepping up when called upon.
That's what should matter to fans for the 2025-26 season. Imagine what would've happened if he weren't around and where this team would be. Would the Golden Knights be thriving and fighting for the Stanley Cup on just Mitch Marner?
Probably not. That's why fans were clamoring for the Massachusetts native to return on a long-term deal. You need someone like him to ease the pressure off you in those key moments, whether it's timely goals or massive poke checks. I think the future looks pretty good for Vegas with No. 9 around.