Golden Knights Hold Out Injured Jack Eichel Amid Contract Uncertainty

“(Eichel) just had a little tweak, so we held him out,” Cassidy said after Thursday's sessions were over. “It’s the first day, don’t want to risk anything, so hopefully he’s right back in there tomorrow. I guess we’ll find out once he gets in and sees a trainer.”

Eichel played a central role in the Golden Knights’ 2023 Stanley Cup championship and finished fifth in Hart and Selke Trophy voting last year. Now the 28-year-old forward is entering the final year of his eight-year, $80 million contract, and extension talks remain ongoing.

General manager Kelly McCrimmon said earlier on Thursday that keeping Eichel long term is the organization’s focus ahead of the 2025-26 season.

“I think from our standpoint, our situation is independent,” McCrimmon said. “And I would say what I said in July — Jack is a priority. I think he feels the organization’s been very good for him … and we’ll continue to have dialogue. We have tremendous regard for the player, what he’s meant to our organization.”

The forward, however, said before the start of camp that his attention remains on preparation and performance, not contract details.

“You can only control so much, right?” Eichel said. “And that’s sort of been my mindset. I focus on preparing for the season, getting my mind and body in the best place to be successful and help our hockey team. That’s more so my focus.

“I think anything else just takes care of itself when you do your job well.”

The Golden Knights appear confident in reaching a deal with Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reporting negotiations are in the "early stages" but expected to progress smoothly.