Jack Eichel might have been drafted second overall in the 2015 NHL draft, but he’s the first from North Chelmsford, Massachusetts, to win the Stanley Cup. While the Buffalo Sabres would initially draft Eichel, time passed, and he was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights.
A small town that could’ve just continued to do what they did and live fulfilling according to their means produced Jack Eichel. The Stanley Cup party in a small town will be remembered forever; local businesses in North Chelmsford will have anything in their businesses to remember the time Jack Eichel brought the Stanley Cup to North Chelmsford.
The Eichel vs. McDavid Narrative
It was always McDavid vs. Eichel leading up to draft day; both are incredible players, but Eichel had some hidden magic to him. The Buffalo Sabres would draft Jack Eichel second overall, as previously mentioned. Eichel, who would serve as team captain until the 2021-22 season, would be traded to Vegas, and that’s when Jack Eichel showed why he was drafted second overall.
Eichel would get the surgery that he held out for. Once he was back and ready to play for Vegas, Eichel posted 14 goals and 11 assists for 25 points in 34 games. Eichel would follow this great Vegas debut season with 27 goals and 39 assists for 66 points in 67 games. Eichel’s strong showing just didn’t stop on the scoresheet; he’s been an unspoken hero defensively for Vegas. Eichel, who is officially listed as a centerman, proved that, given the proper environment, you can and will be a great player.
Jack Eichel elevated his team to heights beyond the expectations of when Vegas acquired Eichel via trade. Eichel has been a key player for the Vegas Golden Knights, and he has certainly lived the dream not only by winning a Stanley Cup but by stepping out of the shadow cast upon him and winning a cup before the big-name player.
Eichel Being Traded From Buffalo was the Best Case Scenario for the Player and the Team
I would have loved to see Buffalo and Jack Eichel find mutual agreements and then build towards the future. Though, the Buffalo Sabres and Jack Eichel stated their case, and both parties came out better because of it. Jack Eichel won a Stanley Cup after being traded to one of the heavy-hitting markets in the National Hockey League. This is incredible for small towns that have players who love hockey; Jack Eichel will motivate young hockey players across the world to develop into the best hockey player they can become.
There are small towns everywhere; Jack Eichel will be a role model for young kids who dream of playing high levels of hockey. Eichel will also set the standard when the next CBA is due to be negotiated that players should be allowed medical freedom while under contract. This will become a pioneering effort and be one of the many reasons Jack Eichel will be remembered.
Stanley Cup Champion Jack Eichel
Jack Eichel is a Stanley Cup Champion, period. While he isn’t putting up career highs in goals, assists, and points, Eichel is certainly the missing piece to the puzzle for Vegas. If Vegas continues their dominance through every on-ice situation, they will have more Stanley Cups in their future.
Winning the Stanley Cup before being drafted as second in line to the best talent since Sidney Crosby is a massive accomplishment. Eichel lived in the shadow of Connor McDavid for years, and now it is exactly the opposite. Eichel winning the Stanley Cup before the best talent in a generation is a statement to scouts and a testament to how teams are constructed nowadays. A dream come true and one that will make Mom and Dad proud. Congratulations to Jack Eichel on this massive accomplishment.
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