The Terrier Hockey Fan Blog: Eichel select #2 overall by Sabres; 11th Terrier drafted in the first round

Saturday, June 27, 2015

Eichel select #2 overall by Sabres; 11th Terrier drafted in the first round

Terrier freshman Jack Eichel, as expected, was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres with the second overall selection of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. The Hobey Baker Award Winner and Hockey East Player of the Year became the first current college player taken in the top ten since Terrier All-American Colin Wilson was drafted #7 by Nashville in 2008. The only Terrier selected higher was goalie Rick DiPietro, drafted first overall by the Islanders in 2000.

With BC’s Noah Hanifin selected #4 and Michigan’s Zach Werenski taken in the eighth spot, it marked the first time in history three current NCAA players were taken in the top 10 of the NHL Draft.

Eichel became the 11^th BU player selected in the first round. In addition to Wilson and DiPietro, the others were: David Quinn— #13 in 1984; Scott Young—#11 in 1986; Keith Tkachuk—# 19 in 1990; Scott Lachance—#4 in 1991; Jeff Kealty—#22 in 1994; Ryan Whitney—#5 in 2002; Kevin Shattenkirk—#14 in 2007; and Charlie Coyle—#28 in 2010.

►Eichel's Post-selection walk-around (video)

The NHL Entry Draft resumes today at 10 a.m. with five more rounds of selections. Several current and future Terriers are expected to be picked. Check back later today for the results.

While Eichel has not yet revealed whether he will sign immediately with the Sabres or return to BU for a second season, it is widely believed that he’ll decide to begin his pro career.

The Rochester Democrat & Chronicle reported: “Assuming Eichel is paid the maximum allowed by the collective bargaining agreement, his mandatory three-year contract would pay him an NHL salary of $925,000 per season. He could be paid a total signing bonus of $277,500, and performance bonuses could total $3.775 million.”

Eichel told the media:

"It feels tremendous," he said. "The feeling of wearing this jersey right now, it really hasn't sunk in. To be able to talk to my family and my friends that are all here about the fact that I was just selected by the Sabres in the NHL Draft, it's a dream come true. It's been the best year of my life. It really caps it off."

For the 11th time in @TerrierHockey history, a Terrier goes in the 1st round of the NHL Draft! #ILikeEich pic.twitter.com/UEoYVRvk52
— BU Men's Hockey (@TerrierHockey) June 26, 2015

ALERT: With the #2 pick in the 2015 #NHLDraft, the #Sabres select Jack Eichel of @TerrierHockey. #SabresDraft2015 pic.twitter.com/qDYS9u7m2v
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) June 26, 2015