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Buffalo Sabres: Jack Eichel is Future Franchise Center

By Diana Driscoll

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Buffalo Sabres fans have already suffered some blows this offseason and by that I mean the whole Mike Babcock coaching situation and losing out on the No. 1 draft pick to the Edmonton Oilers. So, Connor McDavid and Babock will not be on the Sabres bench, but Jack Eichel and Dan Bylsma will be and fans should be really excited about that.

Eichel, for good reason, will be the second player to step up to the stage and receive his new jersey at this year’s NHL draft in Florida. An 18-year-old American-born center, Eichel is slightly overshadowed by McDavid, but is just as skilled and as primed to become an NHL stud.

"“When Jack Eichel is on the ice, the pace of the play shifts; if players can’t keep up, they are left behind. A consistent scoring threat on the ice, Eichel possesses next-level hockey-IQ, an elite-level skillset, and the natural size and work ethic to let him play his role as a scoring power center. All-in-all, Jack Eichel is that uncontainable, dynamic center that can make other players look out of place in his wake.” (Curtis Joe, EP 2014) — Elite Prospects"

With the Sabres, Eichel will add much needed depth to the team’s center position. Arguably one of the most important positions on the ice, the center, most times, acts as the point person—creating offensive opportunities and helping with puck control right off of faceoffs.

Eichel has quickly proven how much he can bring to the team. In his first year in the NCAA, playing for the Boston University Terriers, he recorded 26 goals, 45 assists and a plus-51 rating  in 70 games to lead college hockey in scoring (as a freshman!) and went on to win the coveted Hobey Baker award. He was only the second freshman in NCAA history to be awarded the honor. Even better, Eichel had a 1.77 point-per-game average, playing against guys three or even four years older. He’s ready for the NHL.

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    • It wasn’t just his performance in the NCAA that caught everyone’s attention, but also the performance he put together in the IIHF World Championships in Prague for Team USA. Along with linemates Trevor Lewis and Brock Nelson, Eichel was a part of Team USA’s most productive line. During the team’s 10 games, Eichel showed the world his hockey IQ, maturity and abilities to play well against seasoned professionals. He did not look out of place; heck, he looked right at home.

    So what does this mean for Buffalo?

    Eichel is going to fit in just fine. Buffalo has a mix of younger players and veterans who will be able to guide Eichel through his first year. He will add some speed and will be a clear boost to the team’s offensive game. He will be the team’s No. 1 center (even if not at first, it will happen). It has even been said that he will become a “franchise center.”

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    What is great about Eichel is he can pretty much play with anyone. Putting him on a line with Matt Moulson is a big possibility and a smart choice for Bylsma. I just have a feeling, with the talent and speed of these two players, they will create something magical. Bylsma even spoke of putting Eichel and Evander Kane together—what an explosive top line that would be. Both Kane and Eichel like to control the puck, so that may be something the two will have to figure out in order to avoid a power struggle.

    Another added bonus, he has already started to build a rapport with Bylsma as he served as Team USA’s assistant coach during this year’s world championship tournament.

    "“From what we know, (Eichel’s) power numbers are extremely good,” said Bylsma. “His vertical, again from what we know, would be the second-best among the Sabres…so there’s a powerful base. He still needs to work on strength and to get bigger, but what he generates is an enormous amount of power. The way he can accelerate, you don’t see someone do that every day.” — Headline & Global News"

    The question is will Eichel decide to develop in the NCAA or go pro? He stated that he won’t decide until after the draft is over. But either way, Buffalo drafting this kid with his talent, hockey smarts and, most importantly, his potential is the right call.

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