The Vegas Golden Knights Jack Eichel is one of the top 2026 UFAs who is due for a rich contract next summer. The 28 year old has been eligible for a new deal since July 1st, but with his situation will likely see his upcoming contract signed next year.
There are a couple questions at hand in regards to the impending Eichel contract. Number 1: How much will Eichel command? Number 2: Will Vegas be able to keep him?
Some NHL insiders have provided key insights with respect to these burning questions. The 28 year old is coming off a career year with Vegas last season, amassing 28 goals and 66 assists for 94 points in 77 games in the regular season and 10 points in 11 playoff games.
What is the latest on Eichel?
In terms of the contract itself, insider Frank Seravalli has speculated we could see a deal that lands around the $15 million range. If true, this could make Eichel the richest player in the NHL and will be a tricky one for Vegas to navigate via their cap situation.
Because of how rich Eichel’s deal will likely be, one wonders if the Knights will be able to keep Eichel in Vegas. Insider Jeff Marek believes Jack is a player that could hit the open market if his asking price is too much for Vegas to handle.
No team in the NHL has less cap space currently than the -$7.64 million Vegas is working with right now. Of course the books will look different next offseason, but Vegas still has much work to do if they wish to reach an extension with Eichel in 2026.
If Vegas is unable to extend Eichel, his services will be highly sought after as the 2026 UFA class looks to be a much deeper one than this 2025 edition. The Jack Eichel sweepstakes could look something like what the NHL world saw with his new teammate Mitch Marner this past summer.
