The Vegas Golden Knights aren't known for doling out massive contracts to players. Sure, there might be the occasional unicorn like Mitch Marner that comes around once in a while. But it's a franchise-altering move to push Vegas closer to winning a Stanley Cup.
Tell me, dear reader. Would you pass up an opportunity to sign one of the hottest free agents? Try telling that to the 31 other NHL teams who had a varying degree of interest in bringing him on. If you don't think so, you might be living in Northeastern Africa because you're in "De Nile!"
But the Marner deal has me thinking about contracts. This particularly concerns the most expensive deals on the Golden Knights right now. Now, we're doing this based on cap hits and AAV. After all, deals can have varying lengths.
So who's the most expensive players on the payroll? Here's a little hint for you, my friend. They're all forwards. They're also players who are rumored to form the team's top line in 2025-26.
1.) Mitch Marner: $12 million
Now, this one's a given. Marner wasn't coming to the Golden Knights at $6 million AAV. He would've laughed Kelly McCrimmon out of the door and gone to Hollywood to pursue an acting career.
Luckily, the general manager was wise enough to bring the former Maple Leafs star in for eight years and $12 million AAV. Scoring 102 points will catch the attention of anybody looking for a free agent winger, after all. That's certainly no different for Vegas, which is looking to compete with Edmonton and Florida.
The good news is the salary cap is growing by the year. That'll mean the financial impact of this deal will be lessened and become meaningless once his deal expires. Even with the next guy on the books, it won't mean much considering Vegas balances its books well.
2.) Jack Eichel: $10 million
Now, this will change, whether it's Eichel returning to the Golden Knights on a bigger deal or somewhere else. Likely, it'll be the former since the center has established himself firmly in the Las Vegas community. Could he get $13 million AAV in the future? Stay tuned.
But he's in the last year of his eight-year, $80 million deal. Therefore, he sits in second place for the highest current contract on the team. Duh. However, he can catapult himself firmly into first with another strong season.
You know the statistics by heart now. 28 goals and 94 points in 2024-25. 29 power play assists for the second-best unit last season. All of these will warrant a bigger deal, leading him to finish his career in Sin City.
3.) Mark Stone: $9.5 million
The Captain has established himself firmly in the Las Vegas community himself, scoring 108 goals and 215 assists with the Golden Knights. In seven seasons, he's earned a reputation as a passionate leader who loves the game of hockey.
He's also fostered a reputation for being LTIR fodder, specifically from fans of the 31 other NHL teams. Jokes about his lacerated spleen and broken back have fueled speculation that he fakes his injuries.
Whether you believe in the tooth fairy or live firmly in reality, one thing's for certain. He's earned his money and has fostered an incredible legacy in Sin City. Stone will become one of the most instrumental players in Golden Knights history, thanks to his leadership and passion for the game.
All of this comes to an end in 2027 when his contract expires. Thus, he deserves your thanks for an outstanding career. Here's to you, my Captain.