Jack Eichel Named Captain Of Buffalo Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres are no longer without a captain. The team announced today that star forward Jack Eichel will wear the “C” this season, while Kyle Okposo and Zach Bogosian will be the alternates.

Eichel, 21, is now the undisputed leader among the forward group of the Sabres after Ryan O’Reilly was moved out of town this offseason. With a deeper lineup behind him and on his wings, the second overall pick from 2015 should finally be able to realize some of his immense potential and compete with the best players in the league for a scoring title. Eichel did record 64 points last season in just 67 games, and will have to prove he can stay healthy and productive as he heads into his fourth NHL campaign. That already brings some pressure, but now with the “C” firmly sewn onto his sweater all eyes in Buffalo will be on him as they try to climb the standings and compete for the playoffs.

There’s little doubt that Eichel is an elite talent in the NHL, but his demeanor and leadership skills have been questioned if not critiqued at times. Signed to a huge eight-year $80MM contract extension that kicks in this season, the Sabres obviously don’t feel the same way and are willing to hand the keys to the franchise over to him. If there was any doubt that his teammates had faith in him, the Sabres taped and released the moment he was announced at practice. That team also has Rasmus Dahlin on the roster for opening night, who many believe will quickly ascend the ranks among NHL defensemen, but he’ll be asked to take a backseat—or at least sidecar—to Eichel’s leadership for the next several years.

Sabres fans have a lot to look forward to with the direction the franchise has taken since Jason Botterill took over as General Manager, and now they have a young dynamic captain to cheer for. It’s exciting times in Buffalo, and it all gets started tomorrow night when the Boston Bruins come to town.