BROSSARD, Quebec — Jack Eichel may not be the most recognized American player in hockey, nor the leading center from his nation, with Auston Matthews often taking that spotlight. Nonetheless, he stands as a critical and outstanding player for the United States, having played a pivotal role in the Vegas Golden Knights’ path to their Stanley Cup victory less than two years ago. Despite this, Eichel remains somewhat overlooked by those who do not closely follow the sport or are not familiar with his journey.
Drafted second overall in 2015 just behind Connor McDavid, Eichel has shown resilience, particularly after recovering from a severe neck injury that threatened his career. As the 4 Nations Face-Off approaches, with the Milan Olympics only a year away, this presents a prime opportunity for Eichel to step out of McDavid’s shadow and showcase his growth and skills on an international platform.
“He’s elite in so many ways,” stated U.S. coach Mike Sullivan. “He has always brought a strong offensive edge to his game. His physical attributes, including size, impressive skating, puck-handling finesse, and game vision enable him to adapt to any style of play. He can defeat opponents in numerous ways.”
Eichel, standing 6-foot-2 and just over 200 pounds, possesses the strength to outmuscle rivals, while his effortless skating allows him to glide past defenders. Vegas captain Mark Stone noted, “It may not appear that he’s speeding, but he can really kick it into high gear.”
Golden Knights goaltender Adin Hill added, “He may not be the fastest skater in the league, but if he decides to make two hard strides to outpace someone, he definitely will outrun them.” Hill praised Eichel as an exceptionally strong and talented athlete.
A key factor in Eichel’s elite status is his remarkable ability to read the game. His awareness of his surroundings, understanding of puck dynamics, and finesse in maneuvering through various game situations make him stand out. U.S. teammate Chris Kreider remarked on Eichel’s unique talent to control the tempo of the game and elevate the play of those around him.
“His skating is incredibly smooth, and his puck-handling is top-notch,” Kreider said. “He possesses the unique ability to absorb information rapidly, which allows him to execute the right plays effectively, which is why he is exceptional.”
Eichel had a standout college career, scoring 26 goals and earning 45 assists in his single season at Boston University, swiftly establishing himself as a point-per-game player in the NHL with the Buffalo Sabres. However, it was his defensive skills that have notably advanced in recent years, particularly under the coaching of Bruce Cassidy in Vegas, who previously worked with six-time Selke Trophy winner Patrice Bergeron in Boston.
“As I’ve matured in the game, I’ve started focusing more on the details,” Eichel reflected. “It’s crucial for winning games; I realized the importance of earning my coach’s trust and being dependable defensively in crucial moments. I’ve dedicated time to this aspect and take pride in it, understanding that improvement is a continual journey.”
Rasmus Dahlin, a former teammate of Eichel on the Sabres and currently representing Sweden in the 4 Nations, remarked on Eichel’s evolution: “He was all about speed back then, but now he relies more on his intelligence.” Sullivan also noted improvements in Eichel’s off-the-puck play.
Experiencing Eichel’s skills firsthand can offer a better understanding of his capabilities.
“I truly underestimated his talent until I had the chance to play alongside him,” Hill said. “He has the knack for dominating games, remaining calm with the puck while seeing plays that others might miss. It’s as if the game unfolds in slow motion for him. He’s genuinely one of those exceptional players.”
At 28, Eichel is firmly in the prime of his career, contributing significantly alongside the United States’ impressive goaltending roster, which positions the country as a strong contender for Olympic gold in Milan. After the NHL’s absence in the 2018 Olympics and a late withdrawal in 2022, Eichel expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of representing his country in the upcoming tournament.
However, prior to that opportunity, he has the 4 Nations tournament to focus on, with upcoming matches in Montreal and Boston presenting another chance to enhance his legacy. Fans will be able to witness Eichel in action against elite teams from Finland, Canada, and Sweden, potentially understanding why teammates, including Florida’s Matthew Tkachuk, regard him as a formidable top center.
“It’s about his size, agility, stick skills, shooting, and intelligence,” Tkachuk stated. “Honestly, he’s among the best players in the league.”
