NHL News: Golden Knights star reportedly has strong argument to demand bigger deal after Mitch Marner signed for $96M

The Vegas Golden Knights have only seen expectations for the 2025-26 NHL season skyrocket after trading for Mitch Marner. Taking on the winger’s eight-year, $96 million contract might condition the organization for the long-run. However, all they care for is winning now.

Still, the Golden Knights aren’t done making moves and crucial signings. Jack Eichel is entering a contract season as his eight-year, $80 million contract heads into his final campaign. Extending the American forward’s deal is an absolute must for Vegas.

However, the Golden Knights will have to foot a hefty bill to keep Eichel in Sin City. After taking on Marner’s contract, which has an average annual value of $12M, Eichel has reportedly found an even stronger argument to demand a bigger contract.

Expected deal

“Marner got $12 million [per year], and he didn’t win a Stanley Cup with Vegas. Eichel did. And Eichel was an integral part of that Cup victory. I am sure his agent, Peter Fish, will ask for $13, $13.5 million,” Michael Augello said on The Hockey News: The Wraparound.

Jack Eichel #9 of the Vegas Golden Knights waits for a faceoff in the first period of Game Five of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Minnesota Wild at T-Mobile Arena on April 29, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“[Vegas GM] Kelly McCrimmon will try to keep him as close to that $12M as possible. But considering cap percentage, $12M next year it would be lower because the cap is going up for the 2026-27 NHL season. If you prorate it, it’s probably going to end up being $12.5 or $12.75 million per year.”

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Time to shine

The Golden Knights have found their newest knight in shining armor—or kind of. When After a rough ending with the Toronto Maple Leafs, the talented winger Marner is determined to find his best game again with the franchise in Sin City.

Marner hopes to reverse the popular saying “what happens in Las Vegas, stays in Las Vegas” and instead leave his Toronto memories behind. Of course, there were good times, but something was always missing for Marner and the Buds to go all the way.

As he joins the Golden Knights, who hoisted a Cup in 2023, the 28-year-old believes his championship window is now wide open. Vegas believes so, as well. The star-studded roster has shown its ability to weather the storms and come out on top during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Now, it seems more a matter of luck and staying healthy for them to pursue the franchise’s second Cup.