Latest news with #GoldenKnight
Time of India
7 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Boos or standing ovation? Mitch Marner's January return to Toronto could get ugly
Mitch Marner's return to Toronto as a Vegas Golden Knight in 2026, is set to be an emotionally charged event (Getty Images) The Leafs just pulled the plug on Mitch Marner, flipping their hometown superstar to Vegas in a blockbuster that fans are already calling one of the most questionable moves in franchise history. The return? Nicolas Roy. No shade to Roy, but come on, Marner was the heartbeat of this team. The fallout is fierce, the fan reactions are brutal, and the January 23 return game might be the most awkward reunion ever. Toronto's $96 million gamble might go down as one of the worst NHL trades in recent memory Let's break this down: Mitch Marner signed an 8-year, $96 million extension and then got shipped off to Vegas. Cold. In return, the Leafs got forward Nicolas Roy, a reliable but hardly superstar-level player. The move has sparked outrage across Leafs Nation and even some analysts are calling it 'significant malpractice.' That's not exactly subtle. Marner wasn't just any player. We're talking about a guy who put up 741 points in 576 games, led the team in assists multiple seasons, and had a 102-point campaign. That kind of offensive firepower doesn't grow on trees, especially not ones standing in Toronto. Fans are calling it a franchise betrayal, and January 23 might turn into a full-blown riot The buzz around Marner's return to Toronto as a Golden Knight on January 23 is off the charts. Will he get booed or cheered? Depends who you ask. Some fans feel Marner didn't show up in big moments. Others say the Leafs front office completely botched the trade and disrespected one of their best players ever. Online, it's chaos. A Reddit thread asking whether fans will clap or boo had hundreds of comments and the responses ranged from 'standing ovation, easy' to 'hope the Scotiabank roof caves in.' Even former teammates are weighing in, with Ryan Reaves calling Leafs fans 'toxic' and blaming them for pushing Marner out the door. Vegas got a top-tier playmaker while Toronto got depth? Nicolas Roy is not a bad player. He's consistent, gritty, and fits well on a checking line. But he's not Mitch Marner. Vegas just landed one of the league's best playmakers, someone who can completely shift momentum on the ice. Meanwhile, Toronto is left hoping they can make something work around Matthews and Nylander. Rumors say Toronto might chase a big name like Jason Robertson to fill the gap, but fans aren't buying it yet. The vibes? Desperation. Panic. A little bit of déjà vu. This isn't the first time the Leafs have fumbled a franchise talent and unless things turn around fast, it won't be the last. Marner's return to Toronto could be redemption or a revenge tour Whether you loved him or blamed him for playoff woes, Mitch Marner meant something to Toronto. The trade feels less like a strategy and more like a breakup gone wrong. Leafs fans are now left to stew in regret or cross their fingers that Brad Treliving knows something the rest of us don't. But one thing's for sure: all eyes will be on that January 23 game. And if Mitch drops three points on his former team? Toronto might just light itself on fire. Also read - Must-watch games on the 2025–26 NHL schedule: Every major rivalry, revenge game, and global event Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
NHL Contract Extension: Golden Knights begin talks to make Jack Eichel highest-paid player in franchise history
Vegas Golden Knights have begun contract extension negotiations with Jack Eichel (Imagn Images) While the Vegas Golden Knights made waves this offseason by acquiring Mitch Marner in a blockbuster sign-and-trade, the franchise is quietly working on another crucial piece of business—securing Jack Eichel's future with the team. Jack Eichel's impact and value to the Golden Knights cannot be overstated Jack Eichel, the star center who helped deliver Vegas its first Stanley Cup in 2023, officially became eligible for a contract extension on July 1. According to The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta, negotiations are already underway. 'Speaking of Vegas, the Golden Knights have started contract negotiations with Jack Eichel on an extension,' Pagnotta reported, signaling the team's clear intention to lock down their franchise cornerstone before he hits free agency. The 28-year-old center is coming off a career-best season, notching a franchise-record 94 points in just 77 regular-season games. His elite two-way play, leadership, and postseason pedigree have made him one of the most important players on Vegas's roster since arriving via trade from Buffalo in November 2021. Though Marner currently holds the title of highest-paid Golden Knight with a $12 million annual cap hit, Eichel's new deal could surpass that, as noted by team insider Danny Webster. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo 'Jack Eichel is now eligible for an 8-year contract extension to make him the highest-paid player in Golden Knights history,' Webster posted on July 1. Bringing in Marner was a major swing for Vegas, but retaining Eichel would send a message that the organization is not just chasing headlines—it's building for long-term success. With Eichel set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026, this extension window provides a vital opportunity for the Golden Knights to solidify their core before any uncertainty takes hold. Also Read: NHL Predictions: 3-time All-Star Ryan Suter likely to retire as market interest fades in offseason Eichel's continued presence ensures that Vegas remains a serious Stanley Cup contender in the years to come. As the team transitions with Marner in the fold, all eyes will now turn to how the front office handles Eichel's contract—and whether they're ready to make him the richest player in franchise history. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Golden Knights Make Big Jack Eichel Announcement on Monday
Golden Knights Make Big Jack Eichel Announcement on Monday originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Vegas Golden Knights are entering a crucial offseason following a tough postseason exit. Vegas was bounced in the second round of the playoffs by the Edmonton Oilers, despite holding home-ice advantage in the series. Advertisement Vegas will now go forward with the priority to build a more complete team so they can better go after another title. But first, the team has made a big announcement on star Jack Eichel. Eichel was selected to be part of Team USA for the 2026 Winter Olympics. This is a special moment for the star player, and he will represent the United States proudly. Eichel will be entering the final year of his current deal with the Golden Knights. The star can enter free agency if an extension isn't reached, but Vegas is looking to avoid having that happen. Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9) shoots against the Edmonton Oilers during the third period of game one of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon is hoping to come to terms with the star on a new deal. Advertisement 'The guy is a tremendous player," McCrimmon said. "He's one of the top guys in the NHL. He's got great character and great leadership. You see night in and night out what he does for our team. So that will be a really important piece of business for us. I sure hope to keep Jack in our organization. Jack loves it here. I hope we can find common ground and keep him a Golden Knight." Eichel is coming off a special season for the Golden Knights, putting up 28 goals and 66 assists. The star was one of the many reasons why Vegas was so dominant during the regular season, and the team is hopeful to keep him around long-term. If they have it their way, Eichel will be representing the Golden Knights when he suits up for Team USA at the Olympics. Related: Maple Leafs Insider Slams Mitch Marner Over Free Agency Reports Related: Oilers' Kris Knoblauch Offers Head-Scratching Comments on Goalie Issue This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Golden Knights GM Sends Clear Message on Jack Eichel Contract
The Vegas Golden Knights fell short of another Stanley Cup run, being eliminated in the second round by the Edmonton Oilers. Despite Vegas holding home-ice advantage, the Oilers made quick work of them, winning the series in six games. Now entering the offseason, the Golden Knights have some work to do. But one of the more important pieces of business is the contract status of star Jack Eichel. Advertisement Eichel will be entering the final year of his deal and can enter free agency next year. However, Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon is hoping not to allow that to happen. 'The guy is a tremendous player," McCrimmon said. "He's one of the top guys in the NHL. He's got great character and great leadership. You see night in and night out what he does for our team. So that will be a really important piece of business for us. I sure hope to keep Jack in our organization. Jack loves it here. I hope we can find common ground and keep him a Golden Knight.' Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9) celebrates after scoring an empty net goal against the Detroit Red Wings during the third period at T-Mobile Arena. Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images Eichel is coming off a great season for Vegas, scoring 28 goals and 66 assists. The star is one of the main reasons why the Golden Knights grabbed the Pacific Division title, and the team will do what it can to keep him around long-term. Advertisement 'We'll work on those players first, make some decisions there, or have a discussion with them and with agents,' McCrimmon said. 'We're going to do everything we can to improve our team in the next six or seven weeks.' If the Golden Knights can agree on a new deal with Eichel, it would keep this core together. Eichel seems to enjoy playing in Vegas, but at the end of the day, money tends to talk in these situations. Related: NHL Reveals Update to Maple Leafs-Panthers Playoff Series Related: Ducks Could Part With Trevor Zegras to Land $52M Star
New York Post
08-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
2025 Conn Smythe odds, predictions: The long-shot to back in NHL playoffs second round
Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission if you sign up through our links. Read our editorial standards for more information. The Hurricanes smothered the Capitals in Game 1. The final score was close, but the ice was tilted in Carolina's favor all night. The Canes outshot the Caps, 33-14, and registered 60 more shot attempts (94 to 34) in their overtime victory. Tip your caps to the Hurricanes for a massive performance on the road but, at the same time, it is fair to remain a little skeptical about Carolina's chances going forward. As dominant as the Canes were Tuesday night, it was another performance where they had to work extremely hard to muster up barely enough offense to get a deserved victory. This is not a new phenomenon with this team. Carolina's system is all about funneling everything towards the net and causing chaos, but that approach can backfire if the Canes don't cash in on their chances. The Rangers and Panthers know all about this from the previous two springs. Logan Thompson and the Capitals trail 1-0 in the series. Getty Images The Canes played a near-flawless Game 1 and still needed overtime to win. That is a red flag when you're being asked to lay -134 on the road. The Capitals remain the value side of this matchup and they're being offered at tempting prices to win the series, but there's a way to invest in a Washington comeback with much more upside. Logan Thompson has been terrific in goal for Washington thus far. The former Golden Knight owns a .926 save percentage and leads the playoffs with a +7.7 Goals Saved Above Expected (GSAx). Betting on the NHL? Thompson will face a ton of rubber in this series, so he'll have every chance to pad his numbers and become the story if Washington comes back. The goalie is currently being offered at 50/1 to win the Conn Smythe at bet365. That is a bargain. The Play: Logan Thompson to win the Conn Smythe (50/1, bet365) Why Trust New York Post Betting Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.
