When David Perron set the single-season franchise record for most assists in 2017-18 (50), it was a landmark number that highlighted the brilliance of the "Original Misfits." Nobody expected them to be good and take over the NHL. Nobody expected William Karlsson to set the single-season goals record for the Vegas Golden Knights either. Yet, here we are.
However, one brave warrior has taken on the task of challenging the record for single-season assists. In fact, he sits at 47 in 2024-25, three short of the record. He hails from the frigid land of North Chelmsford, Massachusetts and has a Hobey Baker Award to his name. That person? His name is Jack Eichel.
The warrior has 14 goals with his 47 assists, making him the centerpiece of the Golden Knight offense. It's no wonder Vegas is battling the Edmonton Oilers for the Pacific Division this season with 62 points. Suddenly, underwhelming play has been easily forgiven because the four-time All-Star has three goals and four assists in five games.
But when is the time where he breaks the franchise record for single-season assists? What date should Golden Knights fans circle on their calendar as being a historic day of team history? The team's in the middle of an unforgiving four-game stretch where they already lost to the Dallas Stars on Friday. But here's a prediction of when the superstar will end Perron's reign as the single-season helping hand.
Jack Eichel will break the record against the Columbus Blue Jackets on January 30
Now here's the thing about the Columbus Blue Jackets. They're playing incredible hockey, blazing through the competition like Snoop Dogg blazes through a blunt. They sit in one of the final wild card spots in the Eastern Conference with 55 points and are 7-2-1 in their last 10 games.
However, the Vegas Golden Knights play against these same Blue Jackets at T-Mobile Arena on Thursday, January 30. Jack Eichel is also turning his fortunes around with his aforementioned run in the last five games. You can count on Eichel to break David Perron's single-season franchise records for assists by Thursday.
I predict Eichel will get an assist both against Florida and Dallas during the home stretch. The native of North Chelmsford is molding into the superstar center he was meant to be, becoming the team's de facto conductor offensively. Such a player has been sought after since the team's inception with players such as Max Pacioretty trying to tackle the role.
But it also goes back to the Blue Jackets being more offensively minded. Here's the thing. Columbus has allowed 168 goals as of Saturday, the sixth-highest mark in the Metropolitan Division. While they've rode a hot streak in recent weeks, a major part of that has been at home (17-5-3). Remember the Golden Knights are also stellar at home (18-6-1) while the Blue Jackets, well, they've been forgettable on the road (7-14-4).
Don't be surprised if he scores sooner or later, though
The one thing that Jack Eichel has been throughout his incredible season has been consistent. The longest streak he's had without a point this season is two games. That's right. Two games. After going pointless against the Los Angeles Kings and Utah Hockey Club on October 30 and November 2, he lit up the Edmonton Oilers for a goal and two assists. It was the same thing on November 30 (Utah Hockey Club) and December 3 (Oilers) before he had two assists against the Anaheim Ducks on December 4.
Therefore, don't be surprised if the representative for the United States in the 4 Nations Face-Off scores sooner. The center hasn't shied away from breaking through and putting up big numbers in a game. His season-opener performance against the Colorado Avalanche (four assists) proves this as he carried the offense to a decisive 8-4 victory.
It could also be on the next road trip out east. Eichel does have eight goals, 11 assists, and a +3 rating in 19 games against the New Jersey Devils (February 6). It could also come earlier than that against the New York Islanders on February 4, where the Golden Knights will look for a small dosage of revenge. Regardless of when it happens, fans will bear witness to a new warrior rising from the heap of bodies in Las Vegas. His name shall be known as Eichel the Great.