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2015 NHL Mock Draft: Buffalo Sabres First Round Pick

By Tim Redinger

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There will be no secret whom the Buffalo Sabres will be selecting with the second overall pick in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, and following the selection of Connor McDavid by the Edmonton Oilers with the first overall pick, the Buffalo Sabres will select from the Boston University Terriers, Jack Eichel.

Jack Eichel. 2. player. 12. As a freshman in the NCAA, the young forward has already achieved everything possible at the NCAA level, save for a National Tournament Championship.  With the allure of being a national champion draw him back to the NCAA for another season, or will the call of the NHL be strong enough that he foregoes the rest of his NCAA eligibility to go pro?. C. Boston University

Buffalo Sabres Select Jack Eichel

Birthdate – October 28, 1996

Height – 6′ 2″ Weight – 194

From Eliteprospects.com:

"When Jack Eichel is on the ice, the pace of the play shifts; if players can’t keep up, they are left behind. A consistent scoring threat on the ice, Eichel possesses next-level hockey-IQ, an elite-level skillset, and the natural size and work ethic to let him play his role as a scoring power center. All-in-all, Jack Eichel is that uncontainable, dynamic center that can make other players look out of place in his wake."

Eichel will be 18 when the NHL season starts, but will quickly earn the respect of his peers, as he is already excelling against older talent.  In his NCAA career, he became just the second freshman to win the Hobey Baker Award, following Paul Kariya in 1993, in one season his NCAA honors number 17.

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    • In his first test of playing against NHL level talent – Jack Eichel joined team USA at the 2015 World Championships in the Czech Republic, and despite a slow start to the tournament, ended the ten game tournament with seven points, two goals and five assists; helping Team USA bring home a bronze medal. He didn’t just impress the fans and scouts – his teammates are impressed by his stature as well.  In fact, his trip to the World Juniors – he added another first to his resume.

    Jack Eichel just became the first draft eligible player to wear the red, white, and blue at the World Championships since US Hockey Hall of Fame member Phil Housley, coincidentally another former Buffalo Sabres draft pick.

    With a clear 1A and 1B selection in this years draft, there should be no surprises when the Edmonton Oilers and Buffalo Sabres step up to the podium, after that, all bets are off!

    The Buffalo Sabres were once a team lacking up the center.  With the selection of Jack Eichel, they now have a clear number one center, with plenty of depth up the middle.  The only danger of selecting Eichel with the second overall draft pick would be whether or not the call to come back to the Boston Terriers and play with his teammates instead of landing in Rochester is stronger.  There aren’t many people who believe that Jack Eichel won’t turn pro, but the possiblity is there.

    On the clock and selecting tomorrow with the third overall pick is Bill Grigsby, editor of our Arizona Coyotes site, Howlin’ Hockey.

    Next: 2014-2015 Player Reviews: Brian Gionta

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