Eichel's next deal 'important piece of business' for Knights - ESPN

LAS VEGAS — As the Vegas Golden Knights absorb being knocked out in the second round of the NHL playoffs by the Edmonton Oilers, they don't have to wait long before planning for their future. Jack Eichel, who has one season left on his eight-year, $80 million contract, is eligible for an extension beginning July 1.

«He's one of the top guys in the NHL,» general manager Kelly McCrimmon said. «He's got great character, great leadership. You see night in, night out what he does for our team, so that will be a really important piece of business for us. We certainly hope to keep Jack in our organization. Jack loves it here, so I would hope we could find common ground.»

Eichel, 28, comes off the best season of his 10-year career, the past four seasons with the Golden Knights. He set career highs with 66 assists and 94 points to go with 28 goals as the center on the team's top line. He also skated for Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off, where his club finished second to Canada.

«Can't say enough about my teammates and the people in this building and the people that make this organization what it is,» Eichel said. «I'm super proud of to be part of this organization and the city and represent the Vegas Golden Knights. Contractually, I think things kind of take care of itself. I'll just worry about trying to prepare for next season this offseason and go from there.»

Management, which is not known for sitting on its hands, will have other significant decisions to make as well on the team's direction after the Golden Knights were eliminated by the second round for the second year in a row.

«I like our team,» coach Bruce Cassidy said. «I don't have a problem with any player in that room. I think every one of them is a great teammate.