The Vegas Golden Knights made a huge splash this offseason by acquiring Mitch Marner in a blockbuster sign-and-trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs. But while that deal dominated headlines, there’s another high-stakes negotiation quietly unfolding behind the scenes, one that could shape the franchise’s future just as much.
Star center Jack Eichel, the heartbeat of the Golden Knights’ offense and a Stanley Cup champion, is now eligible for a contract extension. With his current deal set to expire after the 2025-26 season, Vegas has already begun talks to keep him in gold and black for the long haul.
Golden Knights Shift Focus to Jack Eichel Extension After Marner Blockbuster
As the Golden Knights celebrate the arrival of Mitch Marner, who signed an eight-year, $96 million deal following his trade from Toronto, the front office is now focusing its attention on another cornerstone of the franchise.
According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the Golden Knights have officially opened contract negotiations with Eichel, the 28-year-old center who has become synonymous with the team’s rise to prominence.
Eichel, who was acquired from the Buffalo Sabres in November 2021, has one year remaining on the eight-year, $80 million contract he originally signed with Buffalo. Now eligible to sign an extension as of July 1, Eichel represents the next major roster investment for general manager Kelly McCrimmon and the Golden Knights.
In all seriousness, other business at hand:
Jack Eichel is now eligible for an 8-year contract extension to make him the highest-paid player in Golden Knights history. Might not happen today, but both sides obviously want to get it done.
Olofsson and Pearson hit the market. The…
— Danny Webster (@DannyWebster21) July 1, 2025
Beat reporter Danny Webster was quick to point out on the opening day of the extension window that Eichel could very well become the highest-paid player in franchise history, surpassing the recently signed Mitch Marner’s $12 million annual cap hit.
It would be a well-earned distinction. Eichel is coming off a career-best season in Vegas, posting 94 points in 77 games, setting a franchise record in the process. He’s not just producing offense; he’s a driving force behind the team’s identity, leadership, and playoff consistency. Most notably, Eichel led the Golden Knights to their first-ever Stanley Cup title in 2023 and has remained the team’s offensive centerpiece ever since.
The timing of the potential extension is also crucial. With the NHL’s salary cap expected to rise over the next few years, locking in Eichel now could prove to be a forward-thinking move for Vegas. Delaying the deal may only drive up his price tag, especially if he replicates or exceeds his production from last season.
At the same time, Vegas will need to carefully manage its cap situation. Marner’s $96 million contract already represents a major financial commitment. A new deal for Eichel in the same ballpark would tie up a significant portion of the team’s budget in two elite forwards.