(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)
There’s no doubt star center Jack Eichel changed many minds after his stellar postseason performance. Golden Knights fans had heard the questions about Eichel’s playoff uncertainty and it’s likely he heard them as well. It’s possible the hesitation from pundits acted as motivation for VGK’s top line center. Or simply, he naturally figured out how to play in elevated situations.
Once again, in what I saw in the playoffs, not everyone can figure out, and certainly can’t figure it out in Year One in the playoffs. Jack did that. Congrats on the Stanley Cup. –Mike Rupp, Former NHL’er & Analyst on NHL.com
This week NHL.com are presenting their list of Top 50 players. Eichel was named the 20th best in the league. There’s an argument that Vegas’ Cup-winning center could be ranked higher but most pundits want to see his postseason impact carry over to 2023-24.
Most Golden Knights fans were confident that Eichel would live up to his mega-contract in the playoffs and he exceeded everyone’s expectations. The eight-year veteran’s postseason journey opened the eyes of dozens of doubters. Now they are anticipating a continuation into his 9th NHL season.
There were questions about Eichel’s level of play for a full season after having artificial disk replacement surgery in his neck Nov. 12, 2021, but he quieted the doubters. He led the Golden Knights with 66 points (27 goals, 39 assists) in 67 regular-season games, and had 14 power-play points, and a plus-26 rating. He averaged 18:46 of ice time per game, third among Vegas forwards. Playing for the first time in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the 26-year-old led the NHL with 26 points (six goals, 20 assists) in 22 postseason games to help the Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup. Eichel has 446 points (180 goals, 266 assists) in 476 games in his eight NHL seasons. –NHL.com
Perhaps Eichel surprised himself in Vegas’ Cup run. He heard the noise for years yet seemed to quickly pick up the intensity. After all, it’s just hockey. Overall, NHL.com judges players by their dynamics and points share. Eichel has both but not enough to crack the Top 10.
This guy is a gamer and I think he’s going to have a big year. I think he’s an elite player in this League. –Rupp, Former on NHL.com
It’s possible that under Bruce Cassidy, Eichel or any other Golden Knight will not score enough to compete for the Maurice Richard award. Stanley Cup winners aren’t always the highest-scoring regular season teams. Champions commit to two-way play which Eichel excelled at in May and June.
Most likely the Stanley Cup-winning center cares very little about his overall league rank. He’s too busy anticipating the shine from his championship ring.
Jailbird
That’s absolutely correct. Lots of big name players concentrate on their personal numbers more than team play/success . This has been Torontos problem for years. Jack had all the pressure on him in Buffalo to be the man every game. Here he can play to his talents with lots of help around him.
TS
I had my own concerns about Eichel’s surgery, and if he’d ever be 100% afterward. I didn’t doubt his talent and potential, and he sure didn’t disappoint! His rise to the “complete game”coaches want of players was phenomenal !
I would also note he became more of a team player as last season progressed, more familiarity/ comfort with the team/ players/ structure.
Emmanuel
Defense is under rated while all these 30G/40G F’s are WAY over rated.
Jeff
The best part of Eichel, especially in the playoffs, was his transformation into a true 200 foot player. It seemed like every other shift he was breaking up a pass or stealing a puck, lifting a stick, etc. His offense was always there, but his defense was impeccable. Marchy was a good choice for Conn Smythe but I really felt like Eichel deserved it for what he did off the score sheet. If he keeps that up this year Vegas could realistically get 60 wins. The line was that dominant in the playoffs.
Pistol Pete
McCrimmon pointed out when he acquired Jack how competitive he is. That rang true in the playoffs. That and his talent. Diligently developing his 200 ft. game in the regular season and delivering it to help win the Cup. A true championship performance. I will be more than happy with him continuing his excellent all zone play in the regular season. Somewhere near a point a game will more than suffice. Totally agree 100 pt seasons mean little when the player is not playing really good two way hockey. Eichel and Cassidy. A good combination.
THE hockey GOD
JE is real deal, he gives back to the community. He is making all the naysayers looking like the idiots that they really are. Or as Ian said “unsophisticated fan base”.
THE hockey GOD
i am waiting to see his Strat ratings.