Vegas and Jack Eichel agree on an 8-year, $108 million contract extension, AP source says

Jack Eichel and the Vegas Golden Knights have agreed to terms on an eight-year contract extension worth $108 million, according to a person familiar with the deal. Eichel will count $13.5 million against the salary cap from the time the new contract kicks in for the 2026-27 season through 2034.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the extension had not been announced.

The soon-to-be 29-year-old center is the latest high-profile player to re-up with his current team after Minnesota’s Kirill Kaprizov inked the richest deal in league history at $136 million over eight years. Connor McDavid opted to stay in Edmonton on a short-term deal without a raise from his current $12.5 million salary, and Kyle Connor re-signed in Winnipeg for the maximum eight years at $12 million annually.

Eichel is coming off setting career highs with 66 assists and 94 points last season, when the Golden Knights finished first in the Pacific Division. He helped them win the Stanley Cup in 2023. His representatives and Vegas’ front office reached the agreement roughly six hours before the start of the season.

Asked before training camp opened if he would shut down negotiations once meaningful games got going, Eichel brushed off the question.

“If a contract happens organically, then it happens,” Eichel said last month in Las Vegas at the NHL/NHLPA preseason player media tour. “You can only control so much, right, and that’s sort of in my mindset. What are the things that I focus on? Preparing for the season, getting my mind and body in the best place to be successful and help our hockey team. That’s more so my focus. I think anything else sort of just takes care of itself when you do your job well.”

Eichel was the second pick in the 2015 draft by Buffalo. He played his first five-plus seasons for the Sabres before a dispute over surgery to repair his neck injury led to a trade to Vegas in 2021.

Since undergoing artificial disk replacement, Eichel has produced above a point-a-game level for the Knights. He was the No. 1 center for the U.S. at the 4 Nations Face-Off and was already named to the Olympic team.

___
AP NHL
https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/hockey/2025/10/08/vegas-and-jack-eichel-agree-on-an-8-year-108-million-contract-extension-ap-source-says

Mark Sanchez in hospital after Indianapolis stabbing — now under arrest. What we know

Former NFL quarterback and current Fox Sports analyst Mark Sanchez has been arrested by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) following a violent confrontation in downtown Indianapolis that left him hospitalized with stab wounds. The 38-year-old, best known for leading the New York Jets to consecutive AFC Championship appearances, is now facing three misdemeanor charges.

### What Happened to Mark Sanchez in Indianapolis?

The IMPD confirmed that officers responded to a disturbance involving two men shortly after 12:30 a.m. on Saturday in an alley near the Indiana Statehouse, within the bustling Wholesale District nightlife area. According to police, the altercation escalated from a verbal argument to a physical confrontation, leaving one man with lacerations and Sanchez with injuries consistent with stab wounds.

Detectives later reviewed surveillance footage of the incident and arrested Sanchez on suspicion of:
– Battery resulting in injury
– Unlawful entry of a motor vehicle
– Public intoxication

All three offenses are classified as misdemeanors under Indiana law. The IMPD clarified that no additional suspects are being sought and added that the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office will make the final decision on formal charges.

### Is Mark Sanchez Still Hospitalized?

Yes. Police confirmed that Sanchez remains hospitalized and is in stable condition. As of Saturday evening, he had not yet been booked into a detention facility.

Earlier in the day, Fox Sports issued a statement expressing gratitude for the medical care Sanchez has received:

> “We are deeply grateful to the medical team for their exceptional care and support. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mark, and we ask that everyone please respect his and his family’s privacy during this time.”

### Was Sanchez Scheduled to Broadcast a Game This Weekend?

Sanchez had been slated to serve as part of the broadcast team for Sunday’s NFL game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. However, Fox Sports has since replaced him with fellow analyst Brady Quinn, according to Front Office Sports.

### What Do We Know About the Scene of the Incident?

By Saturday evening, locals and NFL fans visiting downtown Indianapolis were still discussing the early-morning altercation. Witnesses reported dried blood visible on the pavement along the 300 block of West Washington Street, near Loughmillers Pub & Eatery and Pronta Pizzeria, where the confrontation reportedly occurred.

Despite the overnight violence, nearby restaurants and businesses were operating as usual.

### Who Is Mark Sanchez?

Mark Sanchez was a standout collegiate quarterback at the University of Southern California (USC) from 2006 to 2008. He led college football in passing yards and touchdowns before being drafted fifth overall by the New York Jets in 2009.

Sanchez guided the Jets to back-to-back AFC Championship Games in his first two seasons and compiled a 33-29 record during his tenure with the team. He also had stints with the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, and Washington before retiring from the NFL in 2019.

In 2021, Sanchez joined Fox Sports as a television analyst, quickly becoming a familiar presence on national broadcasts.

In a show of support, the New York Jets posted to X (formerly Twitter):

> “Sending our thoughts and love to Mark Sanchez and his family. Hoping for a speedy recovery. #6”

### Has Downtown Indianapolis Seen Recent Violent Incidents?

This latest case comes amid growing concern about crime in downtown Indianapolis, particularly after a mass shooting over the July 4 weekend that left two teenagers dead and five others injured.

The stabbing involving Sanchez has reignited scrutiny of safety conditions in the city’s nightlife districts, though police have not suggested any broader connection between the incidents.

### What Happens Next?

Sanchez remains under hospital care as detectives finalize their investigation. The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office will review the evidence before determining whether to proceed with formal charges.

For now, the former NFL quarterback’s future with Fox Sports remains uncertain, as both the broadcaster and his representatives have declined to comment beyond their initial statement.
https://www.livemint.com/news/us-news/mark-sanchez-in-hospital-after-indianapolis-stabbing-now-under-arrest-what-we-know-11759620551929.html

India and China decide to resume direct flights by late October

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has announced the resumption of direct air services connecting designated points in India and China later this month, in accordance with the winter schedule. This agreement marks a significant step towards normalising air connectivity between the two countries.

The operations will depend on commercial decisions made by the designated carriers and the fulfilment of all operational requirements. The resumption of flights is expected to enhance people-to-people contact, strengthen business ties, and support the gradual normalisation of bilateral exchanges between the neighbouring nations. This development will particularly benefit students, tourists, and professionals travelling between India and China.

Flight services between the two countries had been suspended following the 2017 Doklam standoff and were further impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, which severely restricted international travel. Relations between India and China deteriorated further after the Galwan standoff in May-June 2020.

The current agreement signals a thaw in ties and reflects renewed efforts to normalise relations after an extended period of disruption. In August, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited India and held talks with his Indian counterpart, S. Jaishankar. Both sides agreed to resume direct flight connectivity at the earliest and to finalise an updated Air Services Agreement during the meeting.

In addition to flight connectivity, discussions included facilitating visa processes for tourists, business travellers, media personnel, and other visitors travelling in both directions. During his visit, the Chinese Foreign Minister also co-chaired the 24th round of the Special Representatives’ dialogue on the Boundary Question with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Prime Minister Modi emphasized that stable, predictable, and constructive ties between India and China are crucial for regional and global peace and prosperity. He also highlighted the importance of strong people-to-people and economic exchanges for long-term bilateral stability.

(With ANI inputs)
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/india-china-to-resume-direct-flights-by-late-october-in-a-bid-to-boost-bilateral-exchanges-amid-thaw-in-ties-23596916

Exit mobile version