Dating back to his freshman season at Boston University, Jack Eichel has been overshadowed to some degree. Leading up to his first professional season, he was second fiddle to Connor McDavid during the pre-draft process. Even during his four years in Buffalo, his fantastic individual performances were often under-appreciated amid the organization’s inability to emerge from the league basement.
Last year under Phil Housley, fan ire was often misdirected at the then 22-year-old for not singlehandedly willing a group with limited talent (not to mention flawed coaching tactics) to success. Criticism pertaining to his body language, and palpable frustration with his squad’s perpetual struggles was often the focus, despite his standing as the team’s most consistent offensive performer on a nightly basis.