Much Heralded Rookie Jack Eichel of the Buffalo Sabres Scores in His First NHL Game

Several highly touted rookies are making their debuts as the NHL 2015-16 season gets underway. Among these rookies is Buffalo Sabres forward Jack Eichel. The Sabres, who were 23-51-8 last season, drafted Eichel in the first round of the NHL draft (the second overall pick) hoping/expecting him to be able to help out right away. So when the Sabres opened the season at home against the Ottawa Senators on October 8th, Eichel, who turns 19 on October 28th, was on the team and in action.

Eichel’s performance was nondescript in the first two periods of the game, but in the third period, he scored on a power play for his first NHL goal in his first NHL game. It was the only Buffalo goal in Ottawa’s 3-1 victory.

Eichel spent last season playing college hockey for Boston University and won the Hobey Baker Award, college hockey’s version of the Heisman Trophy.

Whenever a very highly regarded player comes into the league, in any sport, expectations often run too high and comparisons to Sidney Crosby and others who were just kids when they came into the league It should be remembered that Eichel is still just 18 years old and is  getting used to this high level of competition, so he may look a little tentative until he gets used to this level of competition. The Sabres are pulling themselves up from the bottom, so Eichel is in a good situation to grow as the team gets it together.