Jack Eichel Could Return To School

Jack Eichel is nearly certain to be drafted second by the Buffalo Sabres in the NHL Entry Draft. What’s less certain is whether the 18-year old phenom will return to Boston University for his sophomore season.

I realize the likelihood of that is slim but there was talk after the draft it could happen. Some fans openly hoped Eichel would return to school as a retribution for losing the last two seasons. Somehow, the Sabres didn’t deserve the opportunity to have Jack Eichel wear the blue and gold.

The talk got me thinking about Eichel and the Sabres, but college sports in general. Typically this topic doesn’t come up in hockey because players take longer to develop and other pools of talent from which to draft. College hasn’t been the first thought for draft talent.

While there are more talented players in college hockey now than ever, most prospects still come from other leagues. Either the OHL or “the Q” or an international league, these players have long been picked before college prospects more often than not. Last season the first college player drafted was Thatcher Demko from Boston College with the 36th pick.

Demko went back to school but that comparison isn’t fair. He plays a different position and isn’t close to the talent Eichel is. But where he was drafted shows where college ranks in the eyes of general managers. One look at the scouting report and clearly Jack Eichel is an exception.

So what of exceptions in other sports? College football makes players stay in school for three years before declaring themselves draft eligible. College basketball makes players entering school stay for one year, if they enroll. A player can jump right to the NBA draft if their talent allows it.

No matter the sport if an student-athlete comes out of school early to play professionally, the conversation turns into a debate between education and opportunity. The closer your team is to that conversation the stronger your feelings on it will likely be. This is the dilemma of Jack Eichel and the Buffalo Sabres.

First, if Eichel does return to school the Sabres will keep his rights until he is out of college for thirty days. The debate about whether Eichel will play here if drafted, particularly after overblown comments by General Manager Tim Murray, is nonexistent. The Sabres will take him, and Jack Eichel will be in the organization.

Should Eichel return to school? The former teacher in me knows the importance of a good education. Too many athletes finish their careers and make poor financial decisions because there was sports and nothing else. It’s what many elite athletes are conditioned to do.

There is also the matter of losing the national championship game to Providence. More importantly might be how that game was lost. If Jack Eichel feels there is unfinished business, something left to prove to himself after that game then going back to school could mean a great deal to him.

The counter argument is strong also. Jack Eichel was perhaps the best freshman to ever play college hockey. A Hobey Baker winner producing at almost two points per game, Eichel has nothing left to prove in college as an individual.

And the money. Why wouldn’t Eichel take the contract? He’s almost guaranteed to be on the Buffalo Sabres opening night roster. He isn’t going to Rochester, he’s too good now. He could make more money in the next fifteen years than he could with a Master’s degree after his playing career ends. Why delay that?

Professional athletes have a short window to make their money. The best players have more time and get the bigger contracts. That’s exactly what Eichel is. He will step right in and be one of the ten best players in the league almost right away.

In the middle are Buffalo Sabres fans. After the last two seasons of losing highlighted by turning on each other and cheering the opponent at home games, fans want the suffering over. I want the suffering over. We want to root for a successful team again and Jack Eichel is the fastest way to get there.

If Eichel does return to BU some fans will argue the suffering will continue. That’s short-sighted though. Look at the roster with Tyler Ennis, Evander Kane, Rasmus Ristolainen, Nikita Zadorov, Zemgus Girgensons, Zach Bogosian and more. This is a better team than any that took the ice over the last 164 games.

Of course Jack Eichel makes that group better and deeper. Maybe even a playoff team next year, though I think that’s a stretch. And we haven’t hit free agency or the draft yet. You can almost guarantee Murray will be active in the trade market and could target restricted free agents given the depth of talent in the organization.

Should Eichel return to school it’s not the worst thing to happen to a franchise. Ask Winnipeg how they felt about losing a franchise. That’s not happening in Buffalo, but there is a chance the build could take a year longer than fans have the stomach for.

So what? If Jack Eichel is on the Buffalo Sabres next year the team is that much better. His jersey will instantly be the best-selling on the team. If he isn’t Murray still has the Sabres going in the right direction. The plans don’t change at all.

Fans are more invested in Eichel’s decision because of the investment made over the last two years. This goes beyond being a fan. When you invest in something with money or time you expect to see returns. To ask Sabres fans to be patient for another year might be more than some can handle.

I understand that and appreciate that. The last two years have not been easy on fans or players. We want to cheer for a great team and players want to play for one. That decision doesn’t belong to us.

It belongs to an 18-year-old man, mature beyond his years and pulled in different directions. I won’t be upset if Jack Eichel returns to school. Of course I will be disappointed because I want to see him play here and drive our success for the next ten years or more.

It’s still far more likely he plays in Buffalo next year. But if Eichel returns to school it isn’t another loss for the Sabres.

Next: Evan Rodrigues, Welcome To Buffalo Sabres

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