Vegas Golden Knights’ Jack Eichel ranked eighth in the NHL Networks top 20 centres list heading into the 2024-25 season.
To surprise very few people, the top three featured Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon and Auston Matthews. Many might argue the order of MacKinnon and Matthews but after the seasons the three of them each had, they were the undisputed top three and have been for quite some time.
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The next four players ahead of the Golden Knights 27-year-old All-star were Leon Draisaitl, Aleksander Barkov, Sidney Crosby and Brayden Point.
As great as Eichel is for the Golden Knights, it’s hard to argue much about the selections ahead of him. Draisaitl, Barkov, Crosby and Point were not only healthier during the regular season but out-produced him. Eichel’s defensive side of the game makes up for the injury issues he’s sustained and why he finished in the top 10 but his production wasn’t enough to warrant him ranking ahead of any of them.
Following Eichel in the top 10 were Elias Pettersson and the recently announced cover athlete of EA Sports NHL 25, Jack Hughes.
Heading into the 2024-25 season, the North Chelmsford, Massachusetts native has the opportunity to prove that he deserves to be higher on the list. The first step is for him to be available for all 82 games. If he can do that, his defensive consistency and offensive capabilities will shine.
Related: What Offensive Heights Can Golden Knights’ Jack Eichel Reach?
The Golden Knights will be relying on Eichel to produce more goals and points now that they lost many key players in free agency. His career highs of 36 goals and 82 points could be blown out of the water if he stays healthy. Last year he scored 31 goals and 68 points while playing just 63 games.
Eichel could be among the league leaders in points while competing for the Selke trophy next year if he shows the league what he can do.
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