Jack Eichel goes to Sabres with No. 2 pick in NHL draft

SUNRISE, Fla. – The Buffalo Sabres landed one of the most talented consolation prizes in NHL history when they made Boston University freshman center Jack Eichel the No. 2 pick in the 2015 NHL draft.

The Oilers, who won the NHL draft lottery, chose Erie (Pa.) Otters center Connor McDavid with the No. 1 pick.

"I think we sometimes use the phrase 'franchise player' too loosely, but both of these players have the potential to be that," said Nashville Predators general manager David Poile.

Eichel hasn't said whether he will leave Boston University immediately.

"I guess we'll see in a few days," he said. "Can't let the cat out of the bag."

If he does, he will be given the opportunity to play an important role for the Sabres, even at age 18.

"He has incredible skill," said Boston University coach David Quinn. "He has incredible vision and incredible hockey sense. He shoots the puck like the NHLer right now."

He's a powerful skater who was clearly faster than many of the NHlers he recently competed against when he helped USA win the bronze medal at the world championships.

"This has been going on for two years now with Eichel and Connor McDavid," Quinn said. "And the way Jack has handled it has been impressive."

As a freshman, Eichel, 6-2, 200 pounds, won the Hobey Baker Trophy as the college player of the year after scoring 26 goals and registering 71 points in 40 games. He helped his Boston University team reach the NCAA championship game where it lost 4-3 to Providence.

"I think he was the most scrutinized freshman ever to come to college hockey," Quinn said. "…just because of the era we live in, with social media and the internet, no one has come into college hockey under the microscope the way Jack Eichel has."

He played on the USA's No. 1 line at the world championships, centering NHL players Brock Nelson (New York Islanders) and Trevor Lewis (Los Angeles Kings).

"He has the ability to slow the game down and control the game, which is a lost art," Quinn said. "But when it's time to go, he can go with the best of them."

At this age, Eichel is stronger than McDavid.

"For a kid to have his physical strength is impressive," said Jim Johannson who manages the USA's national teams. "The other part is that he has the one-on-one ability to beat (opponents)."

The expectation is that Eichel will turn pro. But he has said recently that he felt as if he has "unfinished business" at Boston University.

"Obviously losing the last game made it tougher," Eichel said, "But it is what it is."

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