After months of refusing to say whether he’d turn pro or return to school next year, Jack Eichel made up his mind on Wednesday:
Eichel, the second overall pick at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, signed his three-year entry-level deal today, which ends his brief-but-impressive tenure at Boston University, during which he became just the second freshman ever to win the Hobey Baker.
“It’s just so exciting,” Eichel told the Sabres’ website. “I think everyone’s excited about what’s happening around here, and I can’t wait to get things started.”
Eichel’s first order of business will be participating in Buffalo’s prospect development camp, which will get underway in a few days.
From there, all eyes will be on the reigning Hobey Baker winner to see where he fits in the Sabres lineup; he, along with Sam Reinhart and newly-acquired Ryan O’Reilly, should be in competition for minutes at center.
Related: Boston University or Buffalo? Eichel’s still playing coy (Video)