Jack Eichel’s turn to sign monster contract!

On Wednesday, it was Jack Eichel’s turn. It has been reported that he and the Vegas Golden Knights have agreed to a long term extension. He's just inked an eight-year extension to remain in Sin City for the long run. The deal carries a $13.5 million AAV: $108 million total.

His contract is the third-highest in the NHL for next season and second-highest among centers. He sits behind Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl ($14 million) and Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov ($17 million).

This season, with the Knights’ home opener later tonight, is the final season of Eichel’s eight-year, $80 million contract with an annual cap hit of $10 million. Vegas acquired Eichel from the Buffalo Sabres back in November of 2021 in exchange for forwards Peyton Krebs, Alex Tuch, and two draft picks.

Eichel recorded 28 goals and 94 points in 77 games with the Golden Knights last season. He added a goal and 10 points in 11 playoff games before his team was eliminated by the Edmonton Oilers in the second round.

Drafted second overall by the Sabres in 2015, Eichel has 239 goals and 608 points in 616 career games split between the Sabres and Golden Knights. He helped Vegas win their first Stanley Cup title in franchise history during the 2022-23 campaign, recording six goals and 26 points in 22 playoff games.

Eichel can forget about past negotiations and especially ongoing rumours and focus on the 2025-26 season as his Golden Knights host the Los Angeles Kings later today. He and new addition Mitch Marner are now locked up in Vegas through at least 2033.

LATEST UPDATES:

As of 6h30ETPM on Wednesday evening, the deal between the Vegas Golden Knights and Jack Eichel has yet to be officially announced, though it has been confirmed and reported by many top insiders.

David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period pointed out:

“This is an example of how fast/wild things go in the sports world. Eichel news comes out before he’s even signed the deal, and as of 30mins ago the two sides were still finalizing the actual language of the contract.”

There is competition on the ice between NHL teams, but it seems like there is a lot off it with insiders wanting the get the scoop out first…

FINALLY, minutes before 7ETPM, the Knights officially announced the signing of Eichel.

Eichel is the latest high-profile player to re-up with his current team after Wild's Kaprizov signed the richest deal in league history and Connor McDavid opted to extend with the Oilers in Edmonton without a raise from his current $12.5 million salary.

And it's official: the 2026 free agent class dwindling down...