Eichel won't attend U.S. national junior evaluation camp

Jack Eichel's World Junior Hockey Championship days appear to be over.

The Buffalo Sabres' second-overall pick will not attend the U.S. national junior evaluation camp in August.

"I think in the end we're looking at the best interest of the player and I'm sure Jack has a lot going on with Buffalo in terms of development camp and preparing for the NHL season," U.S. national junior team general manager Jim Johannson told Mike Morreale of NHL.com.

"We're also realistically looking ahead, for our team. The odds are we probably wouldn't have him even if he were invited. I think it just makes a lot of sense for all of us for him not to be in Lake Placid this summer. We obviously wish Jack the best of luck."

Eichel was one of 11 players invited to camp last year. He represented the U.S. and served as captain in the 2015 tournament, notching four points in five games.

Carolina Hurricanes prospect Noah Hanifin, Columbus Blue Jackets draft pick Zach Werenski, Detroit Red Wings prospect Dylan Larkin, and the projected first-overall pick in 2016, Auston Matthews, are among 39 players invited to this year's evaluation camp.

Former NHL head coach Ron Wilson will lead the American squad at the 2016 World Junior Hockey Championship.

- With h/t to Pro Hockey Talk