3 storylines to watch when Golden Knights open training camp
Summary
Training camp opens at City National Arena and expectations for the Golden Knights are sky-high after deep playoff runs and the marquee acquisition of Mitch Marner. The article outlines three major storylines to monitor as camp begins: who will skate with Marner, when centre Jack Eichel will sign a contract extension, and how the team will replace veteran Alex Pietrangelo after his hip injury and likely surgery.
Marner, arriving in a sign-and-trade from Toronto on an eight-year deal, could slot beside Jack Eichel on the top line — a pairing coach Bruce Cassidy has hinted at but that still depends on on-ice chemistry. Eichel remains unsigned despite being eligible for an extension; management calls it a priority but timing and cap mechanics are still unresolved. On defence, Pietrangelo’s absence leaves a leadership and experience gap the club will address by committee, with Shea Theodore, Noah Hanifin, Brayden McNabb and Zach Whitecloud expected to take on bigger roles.
Key Points
- Mitch Marner is the headline addition — who he plays with (likely Jack Eichel) is the camp’s biggest immediate question.
- Jack Eichel is eligible for a major contract extension; signing remains a priority but timing is uncertain.
- Alex Pietrangelo is stepping away due to a hip injury that will likely require reconstruction; his absence will be managed by committee across the defence corps.
- Shea Theodore and Noah Hanifin are expected to lead the back end; Zach Whitecloud and Brayden McNabb could assume expanded leadership roles.
- Marner brings high-end two-way skill; his combination with Eichel (and where Mark Stone fits) will shape line balance and matchups.
- A deal to re-sign Eichel would stabilise the roster long-term; however, a delay wouldn’t be catastrophic and both sides appear motivated to reach terms.
Why should I read this?
Want the quick version? Marner’s here, Eichel’s extension is the soap opera still playing out, and Pietrangelo’s injury forces the Knights to reshuffle leadership on defence. If you follow Vegas or just like elite NHL storylines, this is where the season’s biggest questions start getting answered — and camp is when the answers begin to show up on the ice.
Author style
Punchy — the piece sharpens three roster narratives that will define the Knights’ season. If you care about how trades and contracts change a team’s immediate chances, read the detail.