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Jack Eichel, C |
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Shoots: R |
Height: 6-1 |
Weight: 190 |
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Born: 1996-10-28 |
Hometown: Chelmsford, MA, USA |
Drafted: 2015 by Buffalo Sabres, 2nd overall |
Observations:
October 2015 – It goes without saying that Jack Eichel willbe a valuable rookie to own but he looks like he should lead the Sabres in scoring which makes him a must-own in all formats. His adaptation to the NHL has been flawless, likely becoming easier after competing against men last year with Boston University. His strength, power and skill combination is in an elite category and downright shocking for a player of his young age. His attention to detail and dedication to the defensive game elevates his fantasy and real-world value even more. He scored his first career NHL goal in his first career game against the Ottawa Senators on October 8th, 2015 (Video below). Brendan Ross
September 2015 – In his preseason debut, Eichel scored the game-winning-goal, which was also shorthanded, with 5:44 left in the game against the Minnesota Wild. Eichel recorded his first point earlier in the third period on Matt Moulson’s goal to knot the game at two. Eichel was poised and showed he could take care of his own end along with his offensive game. Eichel played over 73% of his ice time with Matt Moulson and Zemgus Girgensons. Paul Zwambag
September 2015 – The Buffalo Sabres played two games in their Prospects Challenge and Eichel played in both games. He recorded one goal, two assists, 12 shots and was a plus-three. In the second game versus the Boston Bruins prospects he tallied the game winning goal in overtime. Rochester Americans coach, Randy Cunneyworth, asked Eichel on the bench if he had anything left in the tank, Eichel clearly did. Jack was sent out with Sam Reinhart and Brendan Guhle for the final minute of 3-on-3 overtime and was able to put one passed the Bruins netminder with 39 seconds remaining. Eichel still didn’t wear his #15 Sabres jersey sticking to his ‘I’ll wear it when I make the team’ mantra. Paul Zwambag
July 2015 – An entry-level contract has been officially signed, a three year deal. This cements the reports that Eichel is leaving Boston University and joining the Buffalo Sabres. Paul Zwambag
June 2015 – The Buffalo Sabres select Hobey Baker winner Jack Eichel 2nd overall at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Brendan Ross
May 2015 – Jack Eichel is, unofficially, a Sabre after Buffalo lost the NHL draft lottery to the Edmonton Oilers. Fortunately for the Sabres, Eichel is arguably the best consolation prize the draft has seen in modern day history and the team will have budding American star to brand the franchise around. Eichel posted the best underage collegiate season since Paul Kariya ripped up the nation in his draft year. He was named the Hobey Baker Trophy winner as the NCAA's top player in the country, scoring 71 points in 40 games as an 18-year-old pivot. The accolades didn't stop there as Eichel took home the following honours: NCAA (Hockey East) All-Rookie Team, NCAA (Hockey East) First All-Star Team, NCAA (Hockey East) Rookie of the Year, NCAA (Hockey East) Tournament MVP, NCAA (Hockey East) Tournament MVP, NCAA (New England) Best Forward, NCAA (New England) Rookie of the Year and finished first in assists (45) and points (71) in the NCAA. Eichel also received WJC bronze before he went on to win the Hockey East Bean Pot Championship and earned a spot in the NCAA Frozen Four. Simply put, Jack Eichel had an exceptional draft year and is on his way to being one of the NHL's best young stars. Brendan Ross
February 2015 – To no surprise, Jack Eichel is having a remarkable freshman season at Boston University scoring at a 1.74 points-per-game pace. The young phenom has only been held off the gamesheet five times in 27 games, registering 16 goals and 47 points along the way. The big centre is leading the nation in scoring as an underage collegiate and is showing that he can carry the offensive load. A tremendous north south skater with a notable power game, Eichel displays elite vision that he uses to disect opposing team's defenses. Skating in his second World Junior Championship tournament, Eichel served as Team USA's captain and despite starting hot, Eichel's play leveled off as the tournament ran on. Eichel finished with one goal and three assists in five games with USA, falling one point short of his five points in 2014. Look for Eichel to continue his strong play through the Bean Pot tournament as BU eyes a national championship. Brendan Ross
June 2014 – Headlining the 2015 NHL Draft class alongside Connor McDavid is American pivot Jack Eichel. Considered one of the best draft crops to come along since 2003, Eichel is the lone player that stands a chance of rivaling McDavid for the top selection and he’s certainly a worthy challenger. After leading the US Under-18 NTDP squad in scoring with 38 goals and 87 points in 53 games, Jack Eichel will take his talents to Boston University in 2014-15 for his draft year. The Massachusetts’ forward may be the best American talent to come along since Patrick Kane. He has already excelled on the International stage racking up 10 points in seven games at the 2014 Under-18 World Championships while adding one goal and five points in as many games earlier at the 2014 Under-20 World Junior Championships. Eichel is a sizable pivot with a powerful and explosive stride that pushes the pace up the ice. His puck skills are high end and he excels at handling at top speeds. Eichel is a hungry attacker and can dominate along the boards. Heading towards the 2015 NHL Draft year, many expects consider McDavid the frontrunner for first overall but Jack Eichel is certainly neck-and-neck and will certainly make for an interesting storyline to watch. Brendan Ross
Fantasy Outlook: A+
Franchise centerman with superstar talent. Can’t miss top prospect.
Footage:
Eichel scores his first career NHL goal on Ottawa's Craig Anderson (October 8, 2015):
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"I like Eich" Hobey Baker Endorsement:
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Buy the latest Fantasy Prospects Report here.
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