NHL Rumours: Update Jack Eichel, Vegas Golden Knights Talks

Analysis: We’ve touched on Eichel’s pending contract a couple of times in previous editions of NHL rumours. The Fourth Period said that informal talks began as early as May, but it seemed like a feeling out process.

LeBrun’s interview with McCrimmon talked about the Mitch Marner signing from the Toronto Maple Leafs and other items. However, Golden Knights’ fans are hoping to get some news on Eichel’s next deal.

The former second overall pick has been eligible to sign a contract extension as of July 1. However, nothing has come to fruition as of yet. According to LeBrun, there have been conservations, but things are in the early stages.

The insider added that he doesn’t think a deal will happen right away. However, he does feel that Eichel will more than likely agree to sign an extension with the team. LeBrun said that he’d be very surprised if the Boston-area native doesn’t get a deal done.

What It Means

Eichel is one the big names that can sign an extension along with Connor McDavid and Kirill Kaprizov. There hasn’t been much movement for the Edmonton Oilers captain. However, Kaprizov could be in line for getting a new contract.

We haven’t seen many details regarding a new deal for Eichel. However, it’s likely that he’ll get a raise above his current $10 million contract that he’s getting. One wonders how the Kaprizov and McDavid talks could affect things. However, it does seem that Eichel will get a massive payday.

The most likely outcome is Eichel getting a deal more than Marner’s $12 million average cap hit. This deal would put the total contract value north of $100 million. A bump of around $4 million or $5 million would be good market-adjusted raise that would put him in the $13 million to $14 million range.

That seems like a big ask to have massive deals like Marner’s and the hypothetical Eichel deal under the cap since Vegas is already up against it. The Golden Knights are already going to have use long-term injured reserve for Alex Pietrangelo‘s contract to be compliant for this season. McCrimmon is going to have to find a way to make space for Eichel’s contract to keep him during his prime seasons.