Jack Eichel

Jack Eichel was the #2 overall pick in this year’s NHL Entry Draft.

Future Watch: Jack Eichel, Buffalo Sabres – 2015-16 Rookie – More often than not, 18-year-old players who get selected in the NHL Entry Draft aren’t NHL ready. However, on occasion, an amazing talent hits the podium ready to play at the highest level and this year’s second overall pick, Jack Eichel is one of those phenoms.

Now signed, sealed and delivered, the Buffalo Sabres have themselves a world class player who is trying to help transform a bottom feeding team back into a contender in the next few seasons.

The North Chelmsford, Massachusetts native does everything at top speed – quick decision making, big hits, and dekes on opposing goalies. Few players have ever had the kind of on-ice vision he possesses.

At 6-2, 195, he’s more than ready for the next step in his career. He’s not going to let the hype machine affect his performance. Last year, Eichel played for Boston University and won the Hobey Baker Award. This year he’s hoping to be a Calder Trophy finalist.

To date, Jack Eichel has no officially licensed trading cards from any of the manufactures. The only “cards” currently available are homemade knock-offs. However, this will quickly change. Collector’s can hopefully plan on seeing Eichel’s first rookie cards in upcoming 2015-16 Upper Deck hockey sets including: O-Pee-Chee, Artifacts and UD Series 1.

Collector’s can only hope and wait to see if Upper Deck includes him as a Young Gun in Series 1. However, if they hold him back as part of Series 2 the demand for his cards will reach a fever pitch because of the wait.

Connor McDavid might be the hot rookie in the hobby but you can be sure that Eichel will be right there behind him in terms of interest, demand and value. It’s going to be an amazing year for hockey card enthusiasts. Drop the puck!

Russ Cohen

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