Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel is heading toward UFA next summer. He’s entering the final year of his eight-year, $80 million contract originally signed with the Buffalo Sabres in 2018.
As Eichel barrels toward the free-agent market, the Golden Knights will have to pony up the cash if they want to keep their top-line center. According to insider Frank Seravalli, Eichel is projected to land a record-breaking deal.
Seravalli declared:
“I think what you’re talking about with Jack Eichel is a $15M plus AAV deal. He’s been that good.”
The comments underscore what could be a bidding war that may ensue from teams desperate to land a bona fide top-line center. At this point, naming such teams would be mere speculation. But there’s a growing sense that Eichel could make it hard for the Golden Knights to keep him.
Entering this season, Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl will be the highest-paid NHLer. Draisaitl will hit the first year of an eight-year contract carrying a $14 million AAV. If Seravalli is correct, Eichel’s $15 million AAV would clear Draisaitl’s current record deal.
Then again, Eichel’s record may be short-lived as there’s still a Connor McDavid extension to factor in. McDavid could blow Draisaitl and Eichel out of the water. But that’s a conversation for another day.
In the meantime, Servalli could be tapping into the chatter among NHL executives. But then again, he may just be floating an idea.
Golden Knights Shouldn’t Pay More for Eichel than Marner
The flipside to the story is Benchrates’ assessment of the potential deal between the Golden Knights and Jack Eichel.
Per Benchrates, Eichel’s total contribution to his team exceeds $15 million. In other words, his production would be worth $15 million based on current market rates. But when drilling down on the overall picture, Eichel’s paid contribution is closer $11.3 million.
The dropoff is likely due to his abysmal face-off skills and extremely low penalty kill contribution. Despite his defensive shortcomings, Eichel is worth the money. However, in Bencharates’ estimation, Eichel is not worth $15 million.
Benchrates estimates that Eichel should get a deal similar to the one the club gave Mitch Marner this offseason. That would mean $12 million AAV over X amount of years. Perhaps Eichel’s AAV could climb to $15 million in a short-term deal. The opposite could also be true if the Golden Knights, or anyone else, signs him to a max-term contract.
Vegas Could Be in for Bidding War
There’s the possibility that other teams may enter a bidding war if Eichel makes it to July 1, 2026, as a UFA. Several teams could be ready to dish out a major contract for the former second-overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft.
At 28, Eichel is still young enough for teams to dish out one more eight-year pact. Even if the final two or three years aren’t as productive, contending clubs could get plenty of value from the first half of Eichel’s contract.
While the Golden Knights face an uphill battle in re-signing Eichel, they could pull off a move like the Florida Panthers. Perhaps Eichel gives the club a hometown discount. If that’s the case, Eichel might sacrifice a huge payday for the sake of winning a Stanley Cup.
But then again, he already has one. So, Eichel’s focus may shift toward setting himself up financially for life. If that’s the case, he might chase one final astronomical payday.
Golden Knights Impending UFA Projected Record Deal: Insider