Sabres draft Jack Eichel 2nd overall

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The Buffalo Sabres have selected Jack Eichel with the second overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft.

Choosing Eichel was a no-brainer after top pick Connor McDavid went to the Edmonton Oilers. He projects as the top-line forward the Sabres need for their rebuild and should be an offensive force in the league for years to come.

Here's what you need to know about the consensus number two prospect.

2014-15 Stats

Overview

The Sabres have snagged no consolation prize with the second overall pick.

In any other year, Eichel - whose skill set, work ethic, and hockey knowledge is virtually unmatched among his peers - would be a shoo-in for the top spot.

The 18-year-old excelled at all levels this past season, winning the Hobey Baker Award as the top college hockey player, then built on a ridiculous freshman season to earn a bronze medal for Team USA at the World Championship after recording seven points in 10 games.

Eichel will now attempt to take his game to the next level, and, in general manager Tim Murray's perfect world, bring the Sabres along with him.

What the scouts are saying

Dan Marr, Director of Central Scouting:

He is proving to be such an amazing game-breaker; he’s relentless and driven on the play and has the smarts, speed, and skills to deliver a needed scoring drive to tie up or win a game.

Curtis Joe, Elite Prospects

When Jack Eichel is on the ice, the pace of the play shifts; if players can't keep up, they are left behind. A consistent scoring threat on the ice, Eichel possesses next-level hockey-IQ, an elite-level skillset, and the natural size and work ethic to let him play his role as a scoring power center. All-in-all, Jack Eichel is that uncontainable, dynamic center that can make other players look out of place in his wake.

Highlights