Eichel Becoming America’s Most Trusted Center

It was no surprise that Monday’s 2-1 defeat vs. Team Sweden was an overall letdown after Saturday’s big showdown with the Canadians. Team USA’s motivation was simply not up to the same level as the Swedes. And who can blame them after being emotionally drained and officially qualified for Thursday’s championship? While the game was short of action one member of Team USA’s stock continues to rise and Golden Knights fans are not surprised.

His 200-foot game is outstanding. He skates so effortlessly out there. He’s got zero pulse and can’t rattle him at all. When you see him with the puck on his stick, he holds the puck, creates space for himself and he puts players in a position to have success. -Anson Carter, NHL analystAnson Carter, NHL analyst

Rightfully so, the highly entertaining TNT panel praised Golden Knights star center Jack Eichel’s impact for Team USA. Vegas’ two-way wizard isn’t doing anything out of the ordinary through three 4 Nations Face-Off game but he’s quietly becoming America’s most trusted center.

Eichel’s 4 Nation Face-Off Impact Per Game

• Points: 1.33 (USA – 2nd)
• Assists: 1.33 (USA – 2nd)
• Shifts: 25 (USA – 1st)
• Time On Ice: 21 Minutes (USA – 1st for Centers)
• Face Off%: 55.5% (USA – 2nd for Centers)

Most people would immediately name Auston Matthews as Team USA’s top center. The numbers overwhelmingly favor the Maple Leafs captain but in a tight one-goal game, coaches will more than likely trust Eichel taking a crucial defensive face off. Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy routinely activates his top center in dire circumstances and it seems like Team USA’s coach Mike Sullivan is following the plan.

It all goes back to the 200-foot game and way he’s been able to develop in Vegas. He’s a defenseman’s dream. He’s always supporting the play and coming up the ice. His ability to take the puck from the defensive zone to the offensive zone so fluidly and effortlessly. We saw in on the Guentzel goal against Canada and how he was able to saucer it over like nothing. -Paul Bissonnette, TNT analyst

Team USA’s captain wasn’t on the ice down the stretch when the Americans were protecting a 2-1 lead. It was Eichel that handled an extended shift against the best six-on-five unit in the Universe. He frustrated the offensive magicians of the North and paved the way for a Team USA insurance goal. Come Thursday, I’m sure Sullivan will make the same call with or without Matthews in the lineup.

He’s definitely one of the most elite centers on the planet. I would put him up with Sasha Barkov. I think that his offensive flair might overshadow his defensive abilities. He is definitely one of the best 200-foot players in the planet right now. He’s oozing confidence. -Paul Bissonnette, TNT analyst

Jack Eichel has won a Stanley Cup and played for a national championship while at BU, but says the #4Nations  championship game against Canada may be the biggest game he’s ever played in. pic.twitter.com/Ta79r1WhZa

— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) February 18, 2025

In order for the Americans to finish off the Canadians one more time, Eichel will have to be as sharp as he has been all tournament. No matter which assignment he is given, he’ll end up dealing with Nate MacKinnon and Connor McDavid at some point throughout the high stakes matchup. However, Eichel habitually plays a strategic two-way, championship style of hockey.

It means the world. You’re representing your country. This is huge. It’s the biggest game I’ve played in quite some time. Maybe ever. I’m really looking forward to it. I think everyone in the room is looking forward to it. That’s what we wanted, right? -Jack Eichel

If the Americans go on to defeat the Canadians twice in one tournament, Eichel will be considered as one of the most outstanding players of the tournament.

To go further, I believe Team Uncle Sam should reconsider their current leadership and name Eichel as team captain for the 2026 Winter Olympics.