Former Golden Knight Nic Hague says his new team suffered the same fate last season as VGK did in 2022, before the Golden Knights won the Stanley Cup. He called Nashville's last season a "fluke" but believes the Predators can bounce back just like VGK did after a disappointing 2022 season. Hague said the team was "hungry" and VGK had something to prove during the 2022 off-season, after the Golden Knights missed the playoffs. He said it's a powerful feeling to have that desire. We discuss what Brett Howden's role might be with VGK this upcoming season. And it's WTF day with fan comments.

Eliotte Friedman reported Jack Eichel's new contract will be worth more than Mitch Marner's 8x$12 million deal. Friedman said Eichel's deal could be around $12.5 million AAV. And the deal could be for term, possibly eight years. Eichel told the Hockey News he is excited to play with Marner. He said he can relate with some of the things Marner is going through with his departure from Toronto. We discuss when negotiations will begin for Pavel Dorofeyev"s contract extension. His contract expires at the end of next season. And, we wonder if Kelly McCrimmon will kick the tires on Jared McCann.

Bruce Cassidy, appearing on the Morning Take Podcast, said he is hoping Mitch Marner and Jack Eichel have chemistry. He said it's too had to tell in July. One of the biggest questions looming is whether the two superstars will be on the same line. Cassidy said they will have an opportunity to play together sooner or later. He also hinted that Marner might play some with other centers Tomas Hertl or William Karlsson. As we await the NHL schedule, hopefully on July 16th, we feel Mitch Marner will bring TV ratings and perhaps more national television appearances for VGK. Cassidy also said he saw a draft of the schedule and he said VGK will probably play Toronto on the road early in the season. And, VGK signs depth defenseman Lukas Cormier to an extension.