Ahh, multiple universes. The theory exists solely for Marvel fans to ponder the infinite possibilities of their favorite superheroes. For example, what if Captain America was really Jack Eichel? What if Kelly McCrimmon was actually Thanos (as everyone expected) and wanted to eliminate half of the NHL teams with trades?
The possibilities are infinite, which leaves us with Eichel himself. If you remember the 2021-22 season, the Olympic gold medalist was picked up from the Buffalo Sabres because Terry Pegula didn't want to perform the neck surgery that Eichel requested. Perhaps he was thinking too much about Josh Allen's future of choking against Patrick Mahomes?
But there's a universe out there that doesn't have this possibility. Instead, that universe has Eichel traveling to his hometown of Boston or going to the Big Apple to play for the New York Rangers (possibly with Pavel Dorofeyev). In short, he wouldn't have a Stanley Cup to his name, nor would he be setting franchise records.
So, let's look into this alternate universe and see what would've been without the man who works great from home. Who's affected by this absence? What would the Golden Knights have done without their premier center around?
Where would the Vegas Golden Knights be without Jack Eichel?
Obviously, they wouldn't have the 2023 Stanley Cup. Yes, a ton of fans will chastise Eichel for only scoring six goals during that run. After all, he didn't score too much during this season's Stanley Cup Final run (Eichel only scored two goals this postseason). But you can't deny that he made his teammates much better on the ice.
Take Jonathan Marchessault as a perfect example. His career-high 42 goals in 2023-24 were the result of Eichel's presence on his line, which delivered passes and set up scoring opportunities. His Conn Smythe performance (13 goals and 12 assists in the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs) can also be credited to Eichel's presence.
Without Eichel, would Marchessault get a comfy deal with the Nashville Predators? Would he get the Conn Smythe trophy during the Stanley Cup run? The answer to both questions is probably no, which is why Eichel remains one of the most important Golden Knights around.
Jonathan Marchessault isn't the only person whose life would've been altered by Jack Eichel's hypothetical absence
Alex Tuch would've also stuck around with the Golden Knights, along with Peyton Krebs. Tuch would've been much more serviceable as a shooting winger, putting up goals for the Golden Knights. But Krebs would've been dead weight.
You'd also have to look at Mitch Marner coming over to the Golden Knights. Does that happen without Eichel's presence? It'd be less likely, considering that the Olympic gold medalist has attracted plenty of talent for McCrimmon. Why would Dylan Larkin's name be brought up with the Golden Knights if his Olympic buddy wasn't playing there?
On top of that, the Golden Knights would still be searching for their premier 1C. Sure, names like Connor McDavid and (now) Macklin Celebrini would pop up in potential deals. But is it something that McCrimmon's willing to pay a chunk of his salary cap for when he has Eichel in tow? That's the burning question of the day.
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