For most of the season, Mitch Marner’s $96 million deal with the Vegas Golden Knights seemed like the top project of this offseason. And while there have been a few big-money deals, fans have been left wanting owing to the dearth of more sensational moves this summer.
The few players who seemed to be able to command such big contracts, like Brad Marchand or Aaron Ekblad, all ended up being retained by their respective teams. And with the trade market unusually quiet this time around, it seemed like the NHL would have to settle for a relatively quiet summer (Marner deal notwithstanding).
But according to one insider, things are about to change.
Jack Eichel Deal Predicted To Outshine Mitch Marner
While the Vegas Golden Knights have been on a spree, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman believes that their biggest deal might come in the form of center Jack Eichel.
Eichel has been the top offensive man for the Knights. With 94 points (28 goals and 66 assists) across the regular season, he has been the main man for the Golden Knights.
Friedman said on his 32 Thoughts Podcast, “Vegas has already begun to tackle how it will look with Jack Eichel; I assume it’s going to be over Marner’s number [$12Mx8].”
Elliotte Friedman: Vegas have already begun to tackle how it will look with Jack Eichel; I assume it’s going to be over Marner’s number [$12×8] – 32 Thoughts Podcast
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) July 9, 2025
Marner was signed to a $96 million deal with an AAV of $12 million. Eichel, meanwhile, is in the last year of his eight-year deal. His present deal is worth $80 million with an AAV of $10 million. With Eichel becoming a UFA at the end of the next season, Vegas is clearly looking to get things done early to ensure the franchise doesn’t have to scramble later in the season.
Friedman thinks the retention deal might be well above the Marner deal. Many critics have noted that, as their top player in terms of numbers and with him eligible for an eight-year extension, Eichel might very well become the highest-paid player in Vegas history.
According to Analytics Firm AFB Analytics, the expected value for Eichel on an eight-year deal might be upwards of $112 million with a cap hit of up to $14 million.
Eichel is currently 29, and the Golden Knights will, all things considered, look to retain him for the foreseeable future.
Vegas GM Kelly McCrimmon is keenly aware of the fact that he’s an important piece of the franchise.
In the post-season interview, speaking on Eichel’s deal, McCrimmon said, “That would be an important order of business for us.” He added, “The guy’s a tremendous player. He’s one of the top guys in the NHL.”
“He’s got great character, great leadership. You see night in and night out what he does for our team,” McCrimmon said.
With all this in mind, there’s little doubt that Vegas will be willing to put cash on the table for their franchise man.
