Reports indicate that the Vegas Golden Knights and their prominent player, Jack Eichel, have come to an understanding regarding a substantial contract renewal valued at over $100 million. According to information from ESPN, Eichel’s association with the Golden Knights commenced in 2021, during which time he spearheaded the team’s triumphant Stanley Cup victory in 2023. As per the report, he has now committed to an additional eight years with the team for a total of $108 million.
Since his acquisition from the Buffalo Sabres in 2021, Eichel has played a pivotal role within the franchise. The Golden Knights have now secured the services of their core player through the 2033-34 season, at a cost marginally exceeding the $12.5 million annual value of the contract Connor McDavid secured earlier in the week with the Oilers. This arrangement is considered a favorable business move for Vegas, and the contract’s perceived value is expected to increase in tandem with the rising salary cap.
Throughout his four seasons with the Golden Knights, Eichel has accumulated 100 goals and 153 assists in 241 games, but his contributions extend beyond offensive statistics. Eichel, who serves as an assistant captain for Vegas, is also recognized as one of the league’s premier two-way centers. Last season, he received recognition for his exceptional defensive performance, finishing fifth in Selke Trophy voting.
Eichel’s two-way capabilities were evident during the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs, where he played a crucial role in Vegas’s Stanley Cup-winning campaign. He topped the NHL leaderboard with 20 assists and 26 points, while also demonstrating exceptional defensive prowess when the stakes were high.
Selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, Eichel’s professional career faced early obstacles due to the Buffalo team’s lack of success, compounded by a herniated disc in his back. Following a contentious dispute with the Sabres regarding the appropriate treatment for the herniated disc, Eichel was traded to the Golden Knights, where he underwent a successful artificial disc replacement procedure.
Since then, Eichel has made a strong recovery and has established himself as one of the NHL’s top players. He’s a key contributor to the Golden Knights’ status as one of the betting favorites for the Stanley Cup this season (+950 at FanDuel), but Eichel is not the only factor. Vegas made a significant move during the offseason by acquiring Mitch Marner from the Toronto Maple Leafs, subsequently signing him to an eight-year, $96 million contract.
Including Shea Theodore and Noah Hanifin, the Golden Knights have secured the services of four essential players through at least the 2031-32 season.
