Why the Dallas Stars must trade for Jack Eichel
By John Grux
![BUFFALO, NY - JANUARY 14: Jack Eichel #9 of the Buffalo Sabres takes a shot during warm ups before the game against the Washington Capitals at KeyBank Center on January 14 , 2021 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images) BUFFALO, NY - JANUARY 14: Jack Eichel #9 of the Buffalo Sabres takes a shot during warm ups before the game against the Washington Capitals at KeyBank Center on January 14 , 2021 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/9f491a6f2189534aef5d942cd171303b34b7d97e2e5e728c8ecbc308ccc7d36c.jpg)
Eichel is one of the best players in the NHL
Dallas Stars fans should not let injury and the Buffalo Sabres mismanagement cause confusion or memory loss. Jack Eichel is a franchise talent with the potential to be a generational American hockey player.
Eichel was the consolation prize to Connor McDavid in the 2015 NHL Draft. As a rookie, the Massachusetts native posted 56 points to include 24 goals. Additionally, Eichel was quick to establish himself as a special teams asset, posting 21 power play points at the age of 19.
Eichel’s offensive metrics ballooned more as he progressed through seasons 2-4. Ironically, his COVID-shortened season of 2019-20 was his best in terms of goals (36) and power play points (27). Eichel opened 2020-21 on a similar, blazing pace before his neck injury got the best of him and derailed his year.