Jack Eichel
Center and alternate captain for the Vegas Golden Knights, drafted 2nd overall in 2015, Hobey Baker winner, and 2023 Stanley Cup champion.
John Robert Eichel (born October 28, 1996) is an American professional ice hockey player who is a center and alternate captain for the Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League (NHL). Eichel was selected second overall in the 2015 NHL entry draft by the Buffalo Sabres. Before entering the league, Eichel was described at the age of 17 as "the new face of American hockey," and he was considered a member of a rising class of generational talents in the sport.
Quick Facts
- Draft status
- 2nd Overall Pick (2015)
Lore & Background
Eichel was the recipient of the 2015 Hobey Baker Award, given to the top National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men's ice hockey player. He was the second freshman to win the award, the other being Paul Kariya in 1993. Eichel won the Stanley Cup with the Golden Knights in 2023, his first playoff appearance.
Reader's Guide
Eichel was born on October 28, 1996, in Chelmsford, Massachusetts and grew up in North Chelmsford. He played for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program team during the 2012–13 and 2013–14 seasons, and was named to the United States Hockey League Second All-Star Team for the 2013–14 season. He signed a letter of intent to commit to Boston University on April 29, 2014. On April 10, 2015, he became the second freshman to win the Hobey Baker Award. In 40 games with Boston University, he led the nation in scoring with 26 goals, 45 assists, and 71 points. He was also the Hockey East scoring champion, Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, First Team Hockey East, a member of the All-Rookie Team, and MVP of the conference tournament. The Boston Terriers reached the NCAA Frozen Four, losing to Providence Friars 4–3 in the championship game. Eichel was projected to be the second overall selection in the 2015 NHL entry draft behind Connor McDavid. On June 26, 2015, he was selected second overall by the Buffalo Sabres. On July 1, 2015, he signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Sabres. On August 13, 2015, he signed a sponsorship deal with Bauer Hockey. He scored his first NHL goal on October 8, 2015, becoming the youngest player in Sabres history to do so, in his first game against the Ottawa Senators. He finished his rookie campaign with 24 goals and 56 points in 81 games. On October 12, 2016, he suffered a severe high ankle sprain and missed the first two months of the season, finishing with 24 goals and 33 assists for 57 points in 61 games. On October 3, 2017, the Sabres signed him to an eight-year, $80 million contract extension. On December 15, 2017, he scored his first career hat trick against the Carolina Hurricanes. On January 11, 2018, he was selected as the sole Sabres representative for the 2018 NHL All-Star game. He sprained his ankle in February and missed 4–6 weeks, finishing the 2017–18 season with 25 goals and 39 assists for 64 points in 67 games. Before the 2018–19 season, he changed his jersey number from 15 to 9. On October 3, 2018, before the beginning of the regular season, Eichel was named the captain of the Sabres. On March 10, 2019, he was suspended for two games for illegally checking Carl Söderberg. On March 28, 2019, he scored his 100th career goal.
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