28 goals.
66 assists.
94 points.
Two of these statistics were franchise records for the Vegas Golden Knights in 2024-25. It ushered a superstar center into the Vegas hockey scene, turning the franchise into a legitimate contender. Who put up these statistics, you ask? Why, none other than Jack Eichel, of course!
One can consider this his breakout season where he joined various NHL elites. Here, he electrified the crowd with his fast skating and steady two-way play, making him one of the league's best.
Unfortunately, it didn't lead to a Stanley Cup as the Golden Knights ultimately lost to their bitter rivals, the Edmonton Oilers. However, that doesn't mean that Eichel's merely going away anytime soon. In fact, one can say this is the start of something beautiful.
It's the birth of an incredible athlete who should get better in 2025-26. After all, he does have a new weapon heading into town in Mitch Marner.
You know what's coming. Let's see what awaits the center as the 2025-26 season looms. What can he do to improve upon his breakout campaign? Will Marner have a positive effect on the Golden Knights superstar?
What the expectations for Jack Eichel are in 2025-26
I noticed a funny piece of dialogue while looking at Jack Eichel's numbers in 2024-25. He scored 28 goals that season, with five goals coming on the power play. That wasn't enough for some Golden Knights fans.
"SHOOT THE PUCK MORE, EICHEL!"
"TAKE THE GODD*** SHOT!"
They even sent the center literal letters to vent their frustrations with the Boston University alum's lack of shooting. The problem wasn't that he didn't shoot the puck. Last season, he had 233 shots (second-most on the Golden Knights) and a shooting percentage of 12%.
Necessarily, Eichel doesn't need to take more shots. However, he could have a better shot selection to bolster his game. While he had a record-breaking season in 2024-25, he had a career-low Corsi (53%) and only had a Fenwick of 54%. Better shot selection could've made the former Hobey Baker winner the first 100-point player in franchise history.
Luckily, he has a new sidekick in Mitch Marner. The former Maple Leafs winger had 75 assists last season. He also had (say it with me, class) 102 points, making him one of the most important Maple Leafs players. By the way, those 75 assists and 102 points would've been franchise records.
With that comes a two-way partner that can also wreak havoc on all 200 feet of the ice. Marner can hop in on the transition and create magic with Eichel, creating a newfound deadly duo in the NHL. That could also lead to his shooting percentage, well, shooting up. There's a good reason why you acquire players like Marner.
Eichel can take the Golden Knights to the next level... on one condition
Last season was the friendliest for Eichel in his career. He played 77 games and kept a relatively clean bill of health. After years of lower-body injuries and other ailments, it was a major contributor to breaking said franchise records.
That clean bill of health will also come into play in 2025-26. Overall, Vegas was fortunate not to run into too many brutal injuries in 2024-25. Even some of the more severe-looking injuries (i.e, Tomas Hertl's in March) weren't as severe as anticipated.
Now, it'll be tough to duplicate that type of luck this season. You don't know when a crazy hit happens or when a leg suddenly bends uncomfortably. Still, Eichel duplicating his 2024-25 campaign hinges on whether he stays on the ice.
Expectations go through the roof when you score 94 points in a season. People are watching you now. You're supposed to create magic and lead your team to the promised land. With great power comes great responsibility, I guess.
Who knows? Taking advantage of that newfound responsibility could lead to... *GASP* a new contract!