Jack Eichel can only hope to be as good as Pat Falloon.
Well, for one season anyway.
During the past 25 years, no No. 2 pick has jumped from the draft stage to the NHL like Falloon. The right winger, coming off consecutive 60-goal seasons in junior hockey, immediately joined San Jose for the 1991-92 season. He was a sensation, leading the expansion team with 25 goals, 34 assists and 59 points.
Falloon’s career quickly fizzled, but he’s proof that teenagers can excel right away. It’s not easy. More than half have failed to get the chance.