History of Jack Eichel in Timeline

Jack Eichel is an American professional ice hockey center and alternate captain for the Vegas Golden Knights. Drafted second overall by the Buffalo Sabres in 2015, he was highly touted even before entering the NHL, being described as a potential 'new face of American hockey' at just 17 years old. He was considered part of a rising group of generational talents in the sport, demonstrating exceptional skill and potential early in his career.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1993: Paul Kariya Wins Hobey Baker Award

In 1993, Paul Kariya previously won the Hobey Baker Award, making Eichel the second freshman to win it on April 10, 2015.

October 28, 1996: John Robert Eichel Born

On October 28, 1996, John Robert Eichel was born. He later became a professional ice hockey player.

2009: Sabres beat the Blackhawks

In February of 2018 Eichel returned 15 games after spraining his ankle to help the Sabres beat the Chicago Blackhawks for the first time since 2009.

April 10, 2010: Vanek scores four goals

Thomas Vanek scored four goals on April 10, 2010. This was the last time a Sabres player had recorded four goals in one game before Eichel did it on November 16, 2019.

2012: Joins USA Hockey National Team Development Program

In 2012, Eichel joined the USA Hockey National Team Development Program team.

2012: Winter Youth Olympics

In 2012, as a 15-year-old, Eichel represented the United States at the Winter Youth Olympics.

2013: Plays for USA Hockey

In 2013, Eichel played for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program team.

2013: World U-17 Hockey Challenge

In 2013, Eichel won a bronze medal with Team USA at the World U-17 Hockey Challenge and a silver medal at the IIHF World U18 Championships.

April 29, 2014: Signs Letter of Intent with Boston University

On April 29, 2014, Eichel signed a letter of intent to commit to Boston University of the Hockey East.

2014: IIHF World U18 Championships

In 2014, Eichel helped the USA squad capture the gold medal at the IIHF World U18 Championships.

April 10, 2015: Wins Hobey Baker Award

On April 10, 2015, Eichel became the second freshman to win the Hobey Baker Award.

June 26, 2015: Drafted by Buffalo Sabres

On June 26, 2015, Eichel was selected second overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2015 NHL entry draft.

July 1, 2015: Signs Contract with Sabres

On July 1, 2015, Eichel signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Sabres.

August 13, 2015: Signs Sponsorship Deal with Bauer Hockey

On August 13, 2015, Eichel signed a sponsorship deal with Bauer Hockey, agreeing to wear their equipment and apparel exclusively.

October 8, 2015: First NHL Goal

On October 8, 2015, Eichel scored his first NHL goal in his first game with the Sabres, against the Ottawa Senators, becoming the youngest player in Sabres history to do so.

2015: International Debut

At the conclusion of his freshman season with the Terriers, Eichel was named to make his full international debut with Team USA at the 2015 World Championships.

2015: World Junior Ice Hockey Championship

In 2015, Eichel represented Team USA in the World Junior Ice Hockey Championship.

2015: Hobey Baker Award

In 2015, Eichel was the recipient of the Hobey Baker Award as the top NCAA men's ice hockey player.

2015: Selected by Buffalo Sabres

In 2015, Jack Eichel was selected second overall in the NHL entry draft by the Buffalo Sabres.

2015: Potential Career Rivalry

The Golden Knights faced the Edmonton Oilers, a matchup that attracted media attention due to its pitting Eichel against McDavid, which had been considered a potential career rivalry at the time of the 2015 draft.

October 12, 2016: Ankle Sprain

On October 12, 2016, Eichel suffered a severe high ankle sprain during practice, causing him to miss the first two months of the season.

October 3, 2017: Signs Contract Extension with Sabres

On October 3, 2017, the Sabres signed Eichel to an eight-year, $80 million contract extension.

December 15, 2017: First Career Hat Trick

On December 15, 2017, Eichel scored his first career hat trick against the Carolina Hurricanes.

2017: Team USA IIHF World Championship

Eichel was selected to the 2017 Team USA IIHF World Championship roster. Team USA was eliminated in the quarter-finals and placed fifth overall.

January 11, 2018: Selected for All-Star Game

On January 11, 2018, Eichel was selected as the sole representative of the Sabres for the 2018 NHL All-Star game, his first NHL All-Star game.

October 3, 2018: Named Sabres Captain

On October 3, 2018, before the beginning of the regular season, Eichel was named the captain of the Sabres.

March 10, 2019: Suspended for Illegal Check

On March 10, 2019, Eichel was suspended for two games for illegally checking Colorado Avalanche player Carl Söderberg in the head.

March 28, 2019: 100th Career Goal

On March 28, 2019, Eichel scored his 100th career goal in a game against the Detroit Red Wings.

April 19, 2019: Selected for Team USA

On April 19, 2019, Eichel was selected to represent Team USA at the 2019 IIHF World Championship, held in Bratislava and Košice, Slovakia.

November 16, 2019: Four Goals in One Game

On November 16, 2019, Eichel scored four goals in a game against the Ottawa Senators.

January 2, 2020: Penalty Shot Goal in Overtime

On January 2, 2020, Eichel became the first player in Sabres history to score a penalty shot goal in overtime, and also set a franchise record for goals scored in overtime.

2020: Misses Remainder of Season

On April 14, 2021, it was announced that Eichel would miss the remainder of the 2020–21 season to recover from surgery.

April 14, 2021: Misses Remainder of Season

On April 14, 2021, it was announced that Eichel would miss the remainder of the 2020–21 season due to a spinal disc herniation.

September 23, 2021: Stripped of Captaincy

On September 23, 2021, Eichel was stripped of the team captaincy by the Sabres, due to failing his physical and being placed on long-term injured reserve.

November 4, 2021: Traded to Vegas Golden Knights

On November 4, 2021, Eichel was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights.

February 16, 2022: Golden Knights Debut

On February 16, 2022, Eichel made his debut with the Golden Knights in a loss to the Colorado Avalanche.

2022: Start of Improved Season

The 2022–23 season would begin on a much better note for the Golden Knights, with new coach Bruce Cassidy's arrival shifting the team's playing style and calling on Eichel to assume heavy responsibilities in the defensive zone.