Jack Eichel’s Future Looms as NHL Season Opens for Golden Knights

LAS VEGAS — The NHL season kicks off tonight with the Vegas Golden Knights facing the Los Angeles Kings at T-Mobile Arena. Star center Jack Eichel is a focal point this year, as he enters the final season of his eight-year contract signed in 2017.

Since July 1, Eichel has been eligible for a contract extension, with negotiations ongoing between his agent, Pat Brisson, and the Golden Knights’ management. When asked if the contract talks would distract him during the season, Eichel firmly stated, “No.”

“I talk to Pat every day, and he’s in communication with the team,” Eichel explained. “My job as a player is just to play hockey, be a good teammate, and be ready to play, and all of the other stuff takes care of itself.”

The pressure is on Eichel, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. With players like Connor McDavid and Kirill Kaprizov signing extensions, Eichel could emerge as a top name on the free-agent market. Despite speculation, he expressed his commitment to Vegas.

“I obviously love it here in Vegas with this organization,” Eichel said. “The community has been great to me. I love living here.” Eichel played a crucial role in leading the Golden Knights to their 2023 Stanley Cup victory, marking a significant turnaround in his career.

This season, Eichel is adding to expectations by partnering with talented winger Mitch Marner, who recently signed an eight-year, $96 million contract with the Knights. Eichel is eager to develop chemistry with Marner on the ice.

“He’s a superstar player and he’s really easy to read off,” Eichel said. “We’re just trying to figure each other’s tendencies out and get better every day we’re on the ice together.”

Marner echoed Eichel’s sentiments, noting their growing chemistry. “We’re finding out where each other like to be in all three zones. We’re slowly getting better at finding each other in good spots, and I think it’s only going to grow.”

Both players excel at retaining possession and creating scoring opportunities. Their previous individual performances suggest they could form one of the NHL’s most dominant lines. During the past four years, they have consistently performed above league average in offensive zone time.

Coach Bruce Cassidy is excited about the duo’s potential. “I’m hoping they’re dangerous every time they’re on the ice,” he said. “I know what they can do defensively, so there’s never a worry for me.”

While Eichel and Marner are both eager to showcase their skills, they understand that building a successful partnership will take time. “There will be moments where it does click well, but others where it doesn’t,” Marner acknowledged.

The upcoming season holds significant promise for the Golden Knights, especially with Eichel’s potential contract discussions looming. As the season opener approaches, Eichel remains focused on the game, optimistic about the possibilities that lie ahead.

“This is an unbelievable time of year,” he said. “You feel like a kid on the first day of school. A new season has so many possibilities.”