The Vegas Golden Knights have been one of the best teams in the league in recent years, with consistent playoff runs. Jack Eichel has remained a big part of that success, helping lead the franchise to its first Stanley Cup in 2023.
However, with his current deal coming to an end next year, Vegas has been trying to re-sign the center before he becomes a free agent. While experts have estimated the offer to be around eight years for $108 million, Eichel makes his feelings clear on the upcoming negotiations with Vegas.
Does Jack Eichel Hope To Remain With the Golden Knights Long-Term?
Since being traded to the Golden Knights by the Sabres, Eichel has remained a major piece of Vegas’ offense. Additionally, with 94 points in 77 games, Eichel had the best numbers of his career this past season, while also being the franchise leader in points production since he joined the team.
However, while Eichel has been sensational for the Golden Knights, the center is on the final year of his eight-year, $80 million deal. With the clear indications that the Golden Knights want to re-sign him, Eichel recently revealed his feelings to ESPN on September 8.
“I mean, at this moment, yeah, I’d like to stay,” he told ESPN on Monday. With a points per game average of 1.10, Eichel ranks 16th among all NHL players. However, while his numbers will make him a hot commodity in the free market, Eichel isn’t interested in testing it.
He continued, “At this moment, no. I love the organization. I love living here. I love the guys in the room. I love the people in the city. I love the fans. It’s a great place to live. It’s a great place to play hockey. I think there are a lot of things to love, and I’m just really happy here.”
Vegas GM Kelly McCrimmon already mentioned last season that re-signing Eichel is an important order of business for the Golden Knights. “He’s one of the top guys in the NHL,” McCrimmon said. “He’s got great character and great leadership. That’ll be a really important piece of business for us.”
GM McCrimmon hopes that Eichel can remain in Vegas and that they can find common ground. Meanwhile, the center remains optimistic about the contract negotiations, as the talks between Eichel, McCrimmon, and Eichel’s agent Pat Brisson are still in the early stages.
“I would say it’s ‘trending.’ I don’t know how to judge the situation,” Eichel said. “For me, it’s more so about just trying to focus on preparing for the season.” If the estimates remain true, then an eight-year, $108 million deal at an AAV of $13.5 million will make Eichel the most expensive player for Vegas.
The current record is held by Mitch Marner, whom the Golden Knights acquired earlier this year as part of a sign-and-trade on an eight-year, $96 million deal with an AAV of $12 million. While the talks have just begun, Vegas fans would be hoping that Eichel decides to re-sign with the team.
