Everything's going to be okay, Vegas Golden Knights fans. Everything's going to be fine.
At least that's what Kelly McCrimmon is telling fans regarding Jack Eichel's contract situation. He told Pierre LeBrun of TSN that extending the Golden Knights' superstar was the franchise's "main priority" in an interview with The Athletic.
"That's a priority. It remains a priority. He’s been a great player for our organization. I think our organization has been great for him. So, lots of interest, obviously, I think from both sides to make something work."Kelly McCrimmon to Pierre LeBrun
Many fans know that Eichel is in the last year of his current eight-year, $80 million deal. Each passing day adds to the proverbial hair loss and growing anxiety of each fan worrying about a new deal not being done. After this season, he'll become an unrestricted free agent with numerous teams eyeing his services.
Take your pick among the many teams looking to add the star center. It doesn't matter if it's the Philadelphia Flyers, the New York Rangers, the Vancouver Canucks, or the Boston Bruins. Therefore, giving your main superstar a new deal is a top priority.
Still, fans are wondering if this is all hearsay from a general manager with mounting pressure to please the masses. Is he full of it or will he get a deal done?
Is this all fluff to get the media off McCrimmon's back or is he serious?
As a 49ers fan, I can't tell you how many times John Lynch has had glowing reviews of a player despite their failures. It didn't matter if it was Jimmy Garoppolo curling up for a sack or Jake Moody missing 27-yard field goals. Whenever the media pressed the Niners' general manager on weak links, he would always express his undying belief in said players.
Sure, some of their teammates might've been frustrated to the point of slamming their helmets onto the ground. However, it's not stopping Lynch from trying to instill some confidence in his players. It looks like more than two helmets are being slammed to the ground, Pam Oliver.
Fortunately, Vegas Golden Knights fans aren't slamming their hats onto the ground whenever Jack Eichel plays. Why? Because he isn't accident-prone and Bill Foley isn't Ross the Intern. The Golden Knights aren't shy about cutting loose players who underperform, whether it's Brendan Brisson or Jake Leschyshyn.
Luckily, that's not where Eichel lies, so it's safe to say he's not going anywhere. He's beloved in the community and has completed a drastic 360 in how he's viewed among his NHL peers. Therefore, he should get a new contract, even if there's a holding pattern with players like Connor McDavid and Kirill Kaprizov.
Besides, the general manager has the hardware to show that he can get the job done. You can't say the same about Lynch and the 49ers (sadly). Thus, he still has the benefit of the doubt in this situation and fans should trust the process.