LAS VEGAS — Following their second-round elimination from the NHL playoffs by Edmonton, the Vegas Golden Knights are already looking ahead and focusing on key future decisions.
A major priority is star forward Jack Eichel. With one season remaining on his substantial eight-year, $80 million contract, Eichel becomes eligible to sign a contract extension on July 1st.
General Manager Kelly McCrimmon highlighted Eichel`s importance to the team. “He`s one of the top players in the NHL,” McCrimmon stated. “He possesses excellent character and leadership qualities. We see his impact on our team every single game. This will be a crucial task for us. We definitely hope to keep Jack within our organization. Jack is happy here, so I am hopeful we can reach a mutual agreement.”
The 28-year-old Eichel just completed the most productive season of his decade-long career, his fourth with the Golden Knights. He achieved personal bests with 66 assists and 94 points, complementing his 28 goals as the team`s top-line center.
Eichel expressed his appreciation for the organization. “I cannot speak highly enough about my teammates and everyone involved in making this organization what it is,” Eichel commented. “I am extremely proud to be a part of this organization and represent the city and the Vegas Golden Knights. Regarding contracts, I believe those matters tend to resolve themselves. My focus this off-season will simply be on preparing myself for the next season and taking things from there.”
Management, known for being proactive, 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 shared his perspective: “I am pleased with our team,” he said. “I have no issues with any player in that locker room. I believe they are all excellent teammates who care for one another. Are there aspects of our game we could improve upon? Probably. We will evaluate that.”
Cassidy added, “All the players whose contracts were expiring were valuable to us. All good players. Absolutely no disappointments. We will likely need to examine areas for improvement because we weren`t the last team standing. You naturally think, `Where can we get better? Where can I improve my own performance?`”
McCrimmon offered a similar assessment, stating, “I felt our team was capable of winning.”
Two years ago, the Golden Knights hoisted the Stanley Cup, and they believed they had another championship contender this season after clinching the Pacific Division title and securing the second-best record in the Western Conference. However, Vegas had to overcome a 2-1 series deficit against Minnesota in the first round, winning two games in overtime. Subsequently, they lost two overtime games in their 4-1 series defeat to the Oilers.
Reflecting on the series loss, Cassidy commented, “I did not leave Edmonton thinking, `We had no hope. They are simply superior.` I didn`t feel that way. I felt we needed to execute better in a couple of the games, and we could have been the team advancing.”
Forward William Karlsson described the loss to the Oilers as “a wasted season.” McCrimmon was less direct, characterizing the defeat as “a missed opportunity.”
Changes are inevitable, but based on the tone of comments from Cassidy and McCrimmon, the Golden Knights` roster is expected to largely remain intact for the upcoming season.
Goaltender Adin Hill praised the team`s leadership. “I think we have a fantastic organization,” Hill said. “The best management I`ve ever worked under. I believe they will make the decisions they deem necessary for the roster, whether that means keeping it similar or making a few adjustments. I don`t know. That`s their decision, beyond my level of expertise, but it will be interesting to see. We know we are expected to be contenders every single year.”
Forward Reilly Smith clearly indicated his desire to return. An original Golden Knight, Smith was traded to Pittsburgh after winning the Cup, then sent to the New York Rangers a year later, before the Golden Knights reacquired the 34-year-old on March 6th.
Smith integrated smoothly back into the lineup, contributing three goals and eight assists in 21 regular-season games. He then delivered a memorable moment in the postseason for the Golden Knights, scoring with just 0.4 seconds left to secure a win against Edmonton in Game 3. He finished the playoffs with three goals and an assist in 11 games.
Smith reflected on his time with the team: “Probably the best hockey I`ve played in my career has been while wearing this jersey,” Smith stated. “It`s an enjoyable group to be a part of, and a great place to call home. My family loves it here, so if there`s a way to make it work, that would be fantastic. Ultimately, it`s a business. Regarding my contract negotiations, I probably know as little as you (the media) do right now.”
