Draft Profile: Jack Eichel

by Steve Kournianos
steve.kournianos@thedraftanalyst.com
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Position: Center
Shoots: Right
Height/Weight: 6’2″ 194 lbs
Born: October 28, 1996, North Chelmsford, MA
Obtained: Signed Letter of Intent to Boston University, 4/29/14
Central Scouting Rankings (Prelim/Mid/Final): “A” /2nd NA/2nd NA
Notes: …Finished third in team scoring (two goals, five assists) despite being youngest player on Team USA as he helped the Americans win bronze at the 2015 World Championship…Led NCAA in assists (45), points (71), points per game (1.78) and plus/minus (+51)…First freshman to win Hobey Baker since Paul Kariya in 1993…First player in Hockey East to average at least two points per game in league play (2.00) since senior Jason Krog did it for New Hampshire in 1998-99…Tied for 2nd in team scoring with four points in five games at 2015 World Junior Championship…Had five points in five games as Team USA’s youngest player at 2014 WJC…Led Team USA to a gold medal at 2014 U18 World Championship with 10 points in seven games…2012 QMJHL Draft (1st Round, 15th Overall). Re-drafted in 2013 QMJHL Draft (10th Round, 167th Overall)

Arguably the most complete player among his peers, Eichel is a unique blend of power and finesse with a thorough understanding of the game. His arsenal of skills, however, is not the sole reason for his high standing. He is a born leader with a tremendous desire to succeed and leads by example. He has an uncanny ability to change the complexion of a game at a moment’s notice with or without the puck. Possesses a heavy, accurate shot with a quick release, and is adept at getting it through screens and clogged shooting lanes. Does not need backswing to generate velocity, and the deceptiveness of his off-wing wrist shot is reminiscent of Mark Messier. He is an excellent skater with breakaway speed and NHL-caliber leg drive. Eichel can also cover a lot of ground in little time. Tremendous playmaker with superior vision, Eichel finds the open man, even with his back turned while drawing two or three defenders towards him. He is an outstanding puck handler with a variety of moves to beat you one-on-one or one-on-four. Is a great option in the defensive zone due to his long reach, excellent faceoff abilities and strength along the boards. While his play in the defensive zone as a whole is solid, he must improve on slot coverage and knowing when to release. May come across as cocky but he is an unselfish player who relates to his teammates. Big game player who elevates his game when the pressure’s on.