Top prospect Jack Eichel plays coy on decision to turn pro
Has top NHL Draft prospect Jack Eichel finally made a decision on whether to turn pro or return for another season at Boston University? The answer: sort of.
Eichel told NHL.com Wednesday that he has made a decision as to his plans for the upcoming season, but he is not ready to reveal his choice to the public just yet.
"I mean, I'm kind of set on what I want to do, but I guess you'll find out in the few days that follow the draft," Eichel said to NHL.com. "I have an idea what I want to do. I sat down and had dinner with [Boston University coach] David Quinn and spoke with my parents, so I have a good idea of where I want to be next year."
Eichel was dominant during his freshman season in the NCAA, leading the nation in scoring with 71 points (26 goals, 45 assists) in 40 games while helping Boston University to four championships and a second-place finish in the national tournament. Eichel won nearly every individual award possible at the college ranks, and his sole unfinished business would be a national title. It's only natural to assume that Eichel is ready to take the next step in his hockey career.
And while Eichel was not revealing anything ahead of the draft, it seems BU coach David Quinn is resigned to saying goodbye to the elite forward.
"I think Jack brings an awful lot to the table and he's got a chance to be ready for the NHL," Quinn said to NHL.com. "Whether he's ready or not, he's going to be put in a situation where no matter who drafts him, the Oilers or Sabres, he's going to be in the NHL all next year; that's the reality of it."
Quinn told NHL.com that Eichel's decision over whether to return to college or make the jump to the NHL was complicated by how much Eichel enjoyed his freshman season with Boston University, but ultimately, Eichel has nothing left to prove.
"When you win the Hobey Baker and lead the NCAA with 70-plus points, I don't think he has anything more to prove, but he could certainly get better while he's in college next year," Quinn said to NHL.com. "I mean he didn't win a national title. He's got areas in his game that need improving like most 18-year-old players.
"There are things to get better at, but he has such a burning desire to be great and he's so incredibly competitive that it's just a matter of time before he does get better in all these areas."
(h/t NHL)
