Jack Eichel looks like a Hart Memorial Trophy candidate
Now, some skeptics might say this is a simple overreaction. They'll look at his injury history and say...
"Oh, he'll suffer another lower-body injury. It's coming."
However, Jack Eichel is proving he belongs in the Hart Memorial Trophy conversation with his incredible start. The former second-overall pick has 16 points (five on the power play). He's also brought out the best in Mark Stone and Ivan Barbashev, who've experienced a renaissance in their respective playing careers.
He's also had a similar effect on Jonathan Marchessault last season. When the former Conn Smythe winner was paired on Eichel's wing in 2023-24, he had a career-high 42 goals. That netted him a new deal with the Nashville Predators. The result? Two goals and four assists in his first nine games with his new team. It looks like it was Eichel who was responsible for his success all along.
But the center isn't the only Golden Knights player who should be considered. Stone is having a breakout year so far, scoring five goals and 13 assists. He's proving he can be one of the best two-way forwards in the NHL when he's on the ice. That could mean great things for Las Vegas come June.