Jack Eichel THW Close-Up:
Date of birth: 10/28/1996
Place of birth: Chelmsford, MA
Ht: 6’2″ Wt: 194 lbs
Shoots: Right
Position: C
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2015
Twitter: @Jack_Eichel11
THW The Next Ones Rankings (February): 2
Other Rankings:
THW War Room Rankings (January): 2
HockeyProspect.com (February): 2
Last Word On Sports (February): 2
Craig Button: 2
CS Final Rankings for North American skaters (January): 2
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Jack Eichel has been playing 2nd fiddle to Connor McDavid all season long, but he’s no slouch either. He, too, is a gamechanger and leaves people on the edge of their seats when he has the puck on his blade. He has single-handedly put Boston University back on the map as one of the nation’s top NCAA schools. Currently leading the league in points as a freshman, Eichel has taken college hockey by storm and will be looking to add a National Championship before he likely leaves BU after this season.
A center with strong, powerful skating legs, Eichel can carry the puck with ease and protect the puck as well as anyone. His compete level is noticeable every shift and rarely (if at all) will you see Eichel coast around the ice. With his size and strength, Eichel shows a willingness to crash the net and create a nightmare for goalies.
While he didn’t produce on the scoresheet during the WJC this year, Eichel was still one of best players for the USA, controlling the play, creating chances in front of the net, and showcasing his talents against the best prospects in the world. In a few short months, Eichel will change the course of a struggling franchise.
Where Will He End Up In June:
Jack Eichel is the 2nd best prospect in the draft and will be drafted 2nd overall.
Scout’s Honor:
“A very consistent offensive force who brings it every shift…tough to contain for his peers as he can bull his way where he wants as well as maneuver the puck with skilled hands…is a responsible defensive player who has the ability to pick-pocket the puck on the backcheck and start up ice quickly…is dangerous with a strong selection of shots, plus elite-level playmaking skills that include the ability to find seams with impressive vision and deceptive passing…gives strong efforts and plays in all situations…relentless on puck pursuit…NHL star in the making. (August 2014)”
Aaron Vickers – Future Considerations
“Jack possesses excellent skating ability and is able to execute at a very high rate of speed. He attacks and because he can beat defenders with speed, quickness, or lateral mobility, they are on their heels trying to defend him. He can adjust on the move and he recognizes where he can take advantage. With an excellent shot and power in his game, he is a nightmarish proposition for opponents to try and deter. Takes on the challenges in a game & excels.”
Craig Button – TSN.ca
“Eichel has a long and quick skating stride that gives him great speed, power, balance, and acceleration. He has the ability to blow by defenders whether it is walking out of the corner on the cycle game, or taking them wide on the rush. Once Eichel gets a step on a defender, they are in trouble. He also has top-notch stickhandling, outstanding hockey sense, great vision and passing skills and he can be a prime playmaker and makes his line mates better. Also add in a hard wrist shot with a lightning quick release and he can score goals as well. Quite simply Eichel has all the tools to be a future top line centre in the NHL. While the US NTDP has produced numerous elite prospects in recent years, Eichel could be a true NHL superstar, and the best prospect to come out of that program to date. He looks the part of the future top line centre that the Americans have lacked to pair with their top level wingers in the last two Olympics.“
Ben Kerr – Last Word On Sports
Statistics:
Bio/Interview(s)/Links:
International Tournaments:
Jack Eichel has played in five tournaments for Team USA spanning the last three years. In 29 games he has 11 goals and 13 assists. He’s also won a bronze, silver, and gold medal.
ETA:
<1 year
Risk/Reward Analysis:
Risk: 1/5 Reward: 5/5
NHL Potential:
1st line elite playmaking center that will likely be a face of a franchise.
Strengths:
Puck pursuit
Vision
Stickhandling in tight spaces
Playmaking
Patience
Speed
Agility
Puck protection
Hockey sense/IQ
Strong backchecking
Flaws/Aspects He Needs To Work On:
Adding muscle for the NHL level
Fantasy Hockey Potential:
Offensive: 10/10 Defensive: 5/10
NHL Player Comparison:
– NHL comparison: Joe Thornton
Video(s):
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THW’s The Next Ones prospect profile template design architect: Chris Ralph
Great column, Shawn! I agree that Eichel will be the face of a franchise — the Thornton comparison was interesting, but he has a far higher compete level and his goal-scoring acumen is light years ahead of Thornton’s. Eichel is a great kid and, like McDavid, his upside is as a generational talent whom future players will be compared to for many years to come.
Not fair to judge from a highlight reel. I saw a very good player but nothing in the same category as McDavid. Modano is not a bad comparison. Or maybe more of a modern day prototypical solid center with size and all round skills….almost like a Kopitar except unlikely with his own end play. I didn’t see much in the way of creativity, explosiveness, anticipation ahead of the opposition, slick hands.
You haven’t watched him much then. Eichel will be every bit the equal as McDavid in the NHL next year.
Interesting player comparison. When I watch Jack play I see more Modano or Malkin.