3 Reasons Why Jack Eichel Is More Than A Franchise Player

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 04: Jack Eichel #9 of the Vegas Golden Knights celebrates with teammates on the bench after scoring a third-period power-play goal against the St. Louis Blues during their game at T-Mobile Arena on December 04, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Blues defeated the Golden Knights 2-1 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

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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.

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