Jack Eichel
Position: Center
Current Team: Boston University, NCAA
Date of Birth: October 28, 1996
Place of Birth: Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 195 lbs
Shoots: Right
Rarely is there a talent that comes along that’s the “once-in-a-generation” guy (hence why they’re called such). Even more rarely is a draft year with TWO of those guys. Welcome to 2015! Jack Eichel might be the biggest consolation prize for finishing 30th and not winning the lottery that has ever been in the draft. He’s big. He’s fast. He can score almost at will, putting up 71 points in 40 NCAA games as a freshman–and a young freshman at that–on his way to the Hobey Baker Award. If not for Connor McDavid, he would be far and away the best player in this or any other draft since Sidney Crosby.
Scouting Reports
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. – Elite Prospects
While Eichel may not be quite the high-end talent that Connor McDavid is, he is very close. Eichel has the ability to control the game with a high hockey IQ, a good, powerful skating stride, and offensive skills that are second to none among American prospects for the 2015 draft. Eichel has good strength, allowing him to win battles for the puck and control it in space. He may be guilty of trying to do too much at times, but there is little doubt that he will be a top player once he arrives in the NHL. – Hockey’s Future
Assets: Owns outstanding reach and a very projectable frame, so he can play keepaway with the puck virtually at will. Is an excellent offensive performer whose patience with the puck is off the charts. Can score goals with aplomb, too. Flaws: As one of the most highly decorated American players to come along, there will be major pressure for him to perform on a nightly basis. Can he handle the spotlight? Also, he could stand to shoot the puck more. Must fill out. Career Potential: Outstanding offensive talent with huge upside. – Sports Forecaster
A Good Fit in Columbus?
He’s a good fit anywhere, and he’s going to go to Buffalo at #2 in the draft, so talking about him in Columbus is a non-starter. That said, in the spirit of the question, he would make Columbus one of the most formidable teams down the middle of the ice for the next decade and beyond, with Ryan Johansen and Alexander Wennberg as well. Your second line center would be a 70+ point man in Johansen. I mean, for real.
Eichel in Action