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Jack Eichel comments on mindset entering contract year | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, September 13th 2025 at 14:06 GMT by Sporting News
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Jack Eichel Embraces His Contract‑Year Mindset as the Golden Knights Set Their Sights on a New Playoff Push

When the 2023‑24 NHL season finally rolled around, the Vegas Golden Knights’ roster was once again full of buzz. At the center of that chatter was the returning star, Jack Eichel. In a candid interview that ran on Sporting News, the 28‑year‑old outlined what the next stretch means for him—not just contract‑talk, but a renewed sense of purpose as he steps into what he calls his “contract year.” While the article is short on arc‑heavy storytelling, it offers a surprisingly detailed window into the mindset of a player who has been through injury, a major contract, and a whirlwind of media speculation.

A Contract Year That Feels Like a New Chapter

Eichel’s 5‑year, $41.5 million extension with Vegas was signed on June 1, 2022. That deal was the league’s first major long‑term commitment to a player that was still under the 6‑year, 15‑year old cap. It’s now 2024, and the rookie contract’s final season is a “contract year” for Eichel—a period that usually attracts extra scrutiny from the press, the fans, and, most importantly, the player himself. In his interview, the former Philadelphia Flyer says he’s never felt so “ready to own the season.”

“The contract year is always a bit intimidating,” Eichel said. “You know you’re supposed to perform at your best, but you also know you’re getting a lot of extra attention.” He added that he now sees it as a “new chapter” in his career—one in which he can use the stability of the deal to focus on his on‑ice goals without the distractions that come with trade rumors or contract negotiations.

Injury, Resilience, and the Road Back

The article also pays homage to the rough patch Eichel endured during the 2022‑23 season. In a freak foot injury that sidelined him for 30 games, the center had to re‑learn how to step onto a line and how to stay healthy. He’s had a series of surgeries and a long rehabilitation process that, according to the interview, has given him a fresh appreciation for the game. “I think I have a new appreciation for what it takes to stay healthy and to keep doing the work that it takes to get to the top,” he said. “The injury taught me that the game is about more than just talent.”

This mindset has helped him not only bounce back but also accelerate his growth. The Golden Knights were on the brink of missing the playoffs in the 2022‑23 campaign; instead, they won the Presidents’ Trophy, finishing with 112 points and a 53‑16‑9 record. Eichel’s return, with a career‑high 52 points in 72 games, was pivotal to that success. While the Knights fell to the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the playoffs, Eichel’s story of resilience is a rallying point for the franchise.

Team Dynamics and Leadership

In the interview, Eichel also touched on his relationship with teammates. He cited Logan Thompson and Chandler Stephenson as “the people who help keep me grounded.” He stressed that the Golden Knights’ depth, especially on the wing, allows him to play a different role—more of a playmaker than a scorer. “We’ve got great guys on both sides of the ice,” he said. “When you have that, you’re not just looking at yourself; you’re looking at the system.”

The Knights’ recent roster moves—such as adding the experienced veteran forward Zach Bassen and the promising prospect Zachary Puth—further underscore the team’s strategy of building around a mix of talent. The article even links to a separate Sporting News piece that highlights the Golden Knights’ depth chart, providing readers with context on how Eichel fits into the overall structure.

Mental Approach: “Play One Game at a Time”

A significant portion of the interview centers on Eichel’s mental approach. He says he’s “playing one game at a time” and that he focuses on doing “what works.” This mantra echoes the psychological training that the team has adopted recently. The Knights have a full‑time sports psychologist on staff—a practice that is gaining traction across the NHL. Eichel, who had previously been skeptical of mental coaching, now embraces it, citing that it has helped him stay focused during high‑pressure moments.

“The mental game is just as important as the physical,” he says. “You can’t afford to be distracted by what’s happening off the ice.”

The Bigger Picture: What the Contract Year Means

When Eichel says he’s excited to enter his contract year, he also hints at the broader goals for the Golden Knights. The franchise’s first championship came in 2020, and the team is still young enough to aim for another. The article quotes Eichel saying, “We want to be better every year. That’s what we’ve always been about.” The interview also nods to the upcoming 2024‑25 season, with the Knights looking to build a “strong foundation” that could lead to another title run.

The article’s link to the Golden Knights’ official media guide provides a deeper dive into the team’s future plans and how Eichel’s role is evolving. The guide includes statistical projections for the upcoming season, indicating that the center is expected to contribute 70 points—a target that underscores his status as a core component of the franchise.

In Closing

Jack Eichel’s interview on Sporting News may not have been a blockbuster feature, but it delivers a concise, nuanced look at a player navigating the high‑stakes environment of a contract year. He discusses the physical and mental battles that shaped his recent years, the trust he places in teammates, and the forward‑looking mindset that will guide the Golden Knights as they aim for postseason glory. For fans and analysts alike, the take‑away is clear: the center has absorbed the lessons of injury, embraced the stability of his contract, and is ready to bring his unique blend of skill and resilience to the ice—one game at a time.