HOW GOOD IS JACK EICHEL?
By Lowetide
9 years agoJack Eichel is one of the most famous hockey players outside the NHL, but there’s a bunch of things we don’t know about him. He is 77 days older than Connor McDavid, he’s from North Chelmsford, Mass. and he’s 6.02, 195. The biggest unknown? How good is Jack Eichel?
Previously in the series….
HOW GOOD IS JACK EICHEL?
This Corey Pronman tweet is a nice way to get the party started. Eichel is clear of several outstanding names in recent NCAA hockey history, although the clearance doesn’t approach Connor McDavid’s ridiculous season.
NHL EQUIVALENCY
First, a word of caution. Equivalency numbers are designed to give us a hint about offensive ability. There’s no guarantee these prospects will deliver at this level, but rather (based on history) serve to act as an estimate of offensive potential. This doesn’t measure size, speed, intelligence, it’s just the boxcars.
Using Rob Vollman’s NHL equivalency numbers for OHL and Hockey East, the current numbers suggest an exceptional line in the sand for both players in estimating their NHL boxcars:
- Connor McDavid 82gp, 22-48-70
- Jack Eichel 82gp, 14-31-45
In a very real way, these basic numbers are a powerful indicator for all NHL fans. Jack Eichel is a potential franchise player, Connor McDavid may help an NHL owner build an empire.
WHAT ARE THEY SAYING?
- Corey Pronman, ESPN: As a freshman, Eichel’s leading the NCAA in scoring, looking to push Zach Parise for the greatest 18-year-old seasons in college history. Under-20 NCAA
freshmen who score a point per game are typically considered top-flight
prospects; nearing two points per game as an 18-year-old in a strong conference is loco.” - ISS Scout Matt Grainda: Eichel’s consistency level with regards to getting the puck in the net
and generating offense shows his total package improvements, especially
now that he is doing it at the NCAA level. He was great at this last year on the USA NTDP
team and it is impressive that he is doing it against older competition.
His power and strength are great already and they will continue to
improve while he trains at Boston University.”
- Craig Button: “I am now of the mind-set that we have two generational talents in this draft.
EICHEL AN OILER?
Based on current standings, Edmonton has a real chance to pick inside the top three overall. Having said that, their underlying numbers suggest the club is likely better than its current record, with a finish at No. 25 or No. 26 overall more likely (meaning Edmonton picking No. 5 or 6 overall).
At some level Oilers fans, who have every right to be upset with the current state of the team, are probably wise to cheer for more losses. Will they? I can’t believe they will, no matter the talent available at No. 1 overall in 2015.
Too many years in the basement, too long at the lottery bingo hall. If the Oilers draft Jack Eichel, one imagines a new face makes the pick on the team’s behalf.
Recent articles from Lowetide
