Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9) reacts before a face-off against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/f54fa7da-6096-4f6b-bb9c-6649b2e321a3.jpeg] Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9) reacts before a face-off against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Vegas Golden Knights superstar center Jack Eichel capped off his stellar season with a fifth-place Hart Trophy finish. The 28-year-old scored 28 goals and a career-high 94 points in 77 games this season, completely emerging as the franchise piece the Golden Knights needed. Although it wasn't the first time the Golden Knights had seen Eichel perform as one of the best players in the NHL, without injury issues this season, it was the first time the Golden Knights were able to witness it for an entire campaign. In addition to Eichel's brilliance offensively, he was a force on the defensive side of the puck, ranking fifth in Selke Trophy voting [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vegas-golden-knights/golden-knights-jack-eichel-finishes-fifth-in-selke-voting]. He also added a third-place Lady Byng Trophy finish [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vegas-golden-knights/golden-knights-jack-eichel-finishes-third-in-lady-byng-trophy-voting] to his phenomenal season. Finishing ahead of Eichel in the voting was Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, winning the award for the first time in his career [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/winnipeg-jets/latest-news/winnipeg-s-connor-hellebuyck-wins-both-vezina-and-hart-trophies] and becoming the first goaltender to do so since Carey Price won the Hart Trophy in 2014-15, Edmonton Oilers [http://thn.com/edmonton]' Leon Draisaitl, Tampa Bay Lightning [http://thn.com/tampabay]'s Nikita Kucherov and Colorado Avalanche [http://thn.com/colorado]'s Nathan MacKinnon. Eichel accumulated 150 points, those coming from two first-place votes, three second-place votes, six third-place votes, 10 fourth-place votes and 49 fifth-place votes. The 2024-25 season was truly a special year for the North Chelmsford, MA native, but the loss in the second round of the playoffs definitely stings. Eichel wasn't his usual self, scoring just one goal and 10 points in 11 games. A full offseason to recover and train, along with possible additions [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vegas-golden-knights/report-golden-knights-emerging-as-a-landing-spot-for-top-free-agent-mitch-marner], should help Eichel maintain his level from last year or improve upon it. Although Connor McDavid, Kucherov, MacKinnon and Auston Matthews almost always enter the year as the favorties to win the Hart Trophy, Eichel's two-way dominance and offensive prowess could make him a challenger for the award once again. Eichel becomes eligible for a contract extension on July. 1 [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vegas-golden-knights/golden-knights-prioritizing-jack-eichel-contract-extension], and both he and general manager Kelly McCrimmon have stated that they would like to get a deal done as soon as possible. Stay updated with the most interesting Golden Knights stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favourites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwiNvfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] to never miss a story.
