3 Reasons Why Jack Eichel Is More Than A Franchise Player
Jack Eichel doesn’t get recognized as much as he should in the NHL as a franchise player. Everyone talks about Connor McDavid, Nathan Mackinnon, or Auston Matthews as the faces of their respective teams. However, poor ol’ Jack doesn’t get recognized for his efforts.
This is bizarre since Vegas has had a grip on the NHL since its inception. From its miracle run in its inaugural season to last season’s Stanley Cup victory, the Golden Knights are simply known by their whole unit rather than the former first-round pick.
But let’s give the franchise player some love. Since Vegas acquired Eichel’s services, they’ve fulfilled Bill Foley’s promise: win a Stanley Cup in six seasons. It’s almost unheard of for expansion franchises to achieve much success in their infant years. Still, here we are with two Stanley Cup Finals appearances and Lord Stanley in Sin City.
It’s easy to get caught up in other big names in the modern hockey realm. After all, many of these names are playing for Canadian teams. But here’s why you can’t overlook Jack Eichel in the NHL anymore, despite what the naysayers say.
People assume the Golden Knights are this perfectly-oiled machine that does everything right. That hasn’t always been the case, specifically with the man advantage. In fact, it’s become a running gag among Vegas hockey fans.
Vegas has only had a power play percentage over 20% twice in an 82-game season. It’s been a consistent problem marred by bad positioning, missed scoring chances, and awful puck handling. Enter Jack Eichel.
From 2021-2022 to now, the power play has grown each season. The former Sabre had 12 power play assists in 67 games last season. This season, he already has five power play goals (compared to two from last season), tied for 10th in the NHL. His fellow power play mate, Jonathan Marchessault, also has five power play goals this season.
While ranking 13th in the NHL in power play percentage isn’t necessarily a bragging right, it’s a far cry from scoring 17.8% of your power plays in 2021. That’s the Eichel effect for Vegas, which has led to better things for the franchise.
Despite what the negative souls have told you, Eichel isn’t cancerous in the locker room and in Las Vegas. He’s been the opposite, becoming a community staple in Sin City. In October, he hosted children from a local charity, going trick-or-treating with them. The star center donated $40,000 to Best Buddies, which was the organization that he hosted.
It’s not just his community work. He’s also earned the respect of his teammates and peers. Whether it’s Alex Pietrangelo or players outside the Golden Knights organization, people have noticed a complete turnaround.
Of course, it hasn’t been this way. Last season, Bruce Cassidy called out Eichel’s play, stating he needed to play at the level he’s capable of. The rest is history and you know the ending.
Eichel’s ability to take constructive criticism soundly has paid off for the Golden Knights. He’s improved his game and those around him as a result, catapulting Vegas to currently having the most points in the NHL.
You already know the former first-round pick is an excellent piece on the power play. He’s helped Vegas become more dangerous on the man advantage, making them tougher to beat.
But it’s the other stats that tell the story. According to ESPN, he’s projected to finish with 91 points, which would be a career-high. It would also be the most for a Golden Knights player in a single season, shattering William Karlsson’s record of 78 (2017-2018).
That’s not the only record he’d break, though. Jack Eichel is projected to hit 15 power play goals by the season’s end, which would also be a franchise record. It would break Erik Haula’s record of 12, set in 2017-2018. Eichel’s projection of 12 game-winning goals (he currently has four) would break Mark Stone’s record of eight, set in 2021.
In fact, his advanced metrics tell the same story. Currently, he stands tied for first in adjusted goals created in a single season for Vegas (33.8, which was also achieved by Mark Stone in 2021). Eichel’s proving to be the most reliable Knight in every facet.
Just look at his body of work during last season’s Stanley Cup playoffs. Putting up an impressive 20 assists (five of those coming on the power play) was Conn Smythe-worthy, along with his +/- of 14. Franchise players establish themselves in the record books in the NHL. They also inspire their team to be better, which fits the former Sabre perfectly. If there’s any player that deserves more love, it’s Jack Eichel.
(Stats provided by hockeyreference.com)