This summer will have two of the best prospects over the last 10 years to become available in the amateur draft. Some hockey experts are comparing Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel to the 2004 draft when Alex Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin turned professional and for good reason.
McDavid has been a prized prospect over the last three years and despite his young age, the 18-year-old has done nothing to disappoint those who believe he’s the best offensive player to become available since Ovechkin.
This past year he’s been a scoring machine, amassing 120 points in 47 regular season games for Erie of the Ontario Hockey League. The young center has continued his terrific play on the ice in the playoffs with nine points over five games.
With good size at 6’1″ and 190 pounds, he will only get faster and stronger with the help of NHL conditioning coaches and his strong work ethic. It appears Buffalo will get the top selection in June and their prize will be a player they can rebuild the franchise around and create some great public relations with the fans of the Sabres.
Eichel is no slouch, in fact many hockey experts would have him as the top overall prospect of the last five years if it wasn’t for McDavid. The 18-year-old could win the Hobey Baker Memorial Award with his outstanding season at Boston University. He’s scored 67 points and led his squad to the Frozen Four and his ability to play at a high level in big games has scouts and general managers around the league excited, especially those in Arizona and Edmonton as they have the best shot at picking second overall this summer.
