Following their elimination in the second round of the NHL playoffs by the Edmonton Oilers, the Vegas Golden Knights are quickly turning their attention to the upcoming off-season and future planning.
Star forward Jack Eichel, with one year remaining on his eight-year, $80 million contract, becomes eligible for a contract extension starting July 1.
General Manager Kelly McCrimmon praised Eichel, stating, “He`s one of the top players in the NHL. He possesses great character and leadership. Night after night, you see his impact on our team, making this a crucial matter for us. We absolutely hope to retain Jack within our organization. Jack enjoys it here, so I am optimistic we can find common ground.”
The 28-year-old Eichel just completed his best season in his 10-year career, which includes the last four seasons with the Golden Knights. Playing as the top-line center, he achieved career bests with 66 assists and 94 points, adding 28 goals.
Eichel expressed his satisfaction, saying, “I can`t speak highly enough of my teammates and everyone involved in this organization. I am incredibly proud to be a part of this team and city, representing the Vegas Golden Knights. Regarding the contract, I believe that aspect will sort itself out. My focus this off-season will be on preparing for next season.”
The team`s management, known for proactive decision-making, faces other significant choices regarding the team`s direction, especially after being eliminated in the second round for the second consecutive year.
Coach Bruce Cassidy voiced approval of the roster, stating, “I like our team. I have no issues with any player in that locker room. I believe they are all excellent teammates who care for each other. Are there areas we could improve upon? Probably. We will evaluate that. All the players whose contracts were expiring were good contributors for us. No disappointments there. We will likely need to examine areas for enhancement, as we weren`t the last team standing. Typically, you reflect on how you can upgrade both the team and your own performance.”
McCrimmon echoed this sentiment, saying, “I feel our team possessed the capability to win.”
Just two years removed from winning the Stanley Cup, the Golden Knights believed they had another championship contender this season, having won the Pacific Division and secured the second-best record in the Western Conference. However, they first had to overcome a 2-1 series deficit against Minnesota in the opening round, winning two games in overtime. In the following series, they lost two overtime games en route to a 4-1 series defeat against the Oilers.
Cassidy reflected on the Oilers series, remarking, “I didn`t leave Edmonton thinking, `We had no chance; they are simply better.` I didn`t feel that was the case. I believed we needed to execute better in certain games, and we could have been the team advancing.”
Forward William Karlsson described the loss to the Oilers as “a wasted season.” McCrimmon offered a less blunt perspective, terming the defeat “a missed opportunity.”
While changes are inevitable, the tone of comments from Cassidy and McCrimmon suggests that the Golden Knights` roster will primarily remain intact for the next season.
Goalie Adin Hill praised the organization, stating, “I think we have a great organization. The best management I`ve worked with. I believe they will make the necessary roster decisions, whether that means keeping things similar or making some changes. That`s their call, above my level, but it will be interesting to see. We know we`re expected to be contenders every year.”
Forward Reilly Smith expressed his strong desire to return. Smith, an original member of the Golden Knights, was traded to Pittsburgh after the Cup win and then to the New York Rangers a year later before being reacquired by Vegas on March 6 at age 34.
Smith smoothly reintegrated into the lineup, recording three goals and eight assists in 21 regular-season games. He then provided a key moment in the postseason, scoring with 0.4 seconds remaining to win Game 3 against Edmonton, finishing the playoffs with three goals and one assist in 11 games.
Smith commented on his time with the team, saying, “I`ve probably played the best hockey of my career wearing this jersey. It`s an enjoyable group to be around and a great place to call home. My family loves it here, so if there`s a way to make it happen, it would be fantastic. Ultimately, it`s a business. Regarding my contract negotiations, I likely know as little as the media does right now.”