Jack Eichel has become an integral player for the Vegas Golden Knights, excelling in all facets of the game. His versatility allows him to initiate plays, score goals, and generate opportunities for his teammates, even in power play situations. But his impact goes beyond the offensive; he also stands out in the defensive zone and in penalty play.
Eichel, a top-line center, was key in a major franchise move, which is based on the win-at-all-costs philosophy. However, his main focus has been becoming a complete center, capable of performing in any situation.
The path to this goal involved earning the trust of coach Bruce Cassidy, which required greater attention to defensive details.
When I got here, we had Chandler Stephenson, who is a very good center. We also had William Karlsson, a great two-way center. I looked around and said, ‘If I want to get playing time and be trusted in these situations, I have to earn the coach’s trust and be more detailed and responsible defensively.’
Jack Eichel
The team’s strategy of having two-way centers on all four lines has given the team depth.
Although Eichel was not known for his defense early in his career, he was always recognized for his offensive ability, as demonstrated at Boston University and in his six seasons with the Buffalo Sabres.
Eichel has matured, understanding the importance of defense to win and taking the opportunity to grow in the Golden Knights’ system.
In 2015, when he was a prospect, Eichel was expected to be a future captain and a star, but not a penalty-killing specialist.
Eichel acknowledges that he played in penalty situations with the Sabres, but he was not the primary center on the team.
Eichel explained that the development of young players is key, and they must find ways to complement their game and become more complete.
His arrival in Vegas in November 2021 represented a significant change, moving from a team struggling to win to an organization with high expectations.
The lack of playoffs in the 2021-22 season led the Golden Knights to hire Bruce Cassidy, an experienced coach with a solid defensive philosophy.
It takes time. We weren’t used to it. But once you learn it, you react by instinct. You no longer have to think about it because it’s a very good system. Usually, he puts the center in a very good position, but also in a very good position to transition to the offensive zone. But there are many defensive details.
William Karlsson
In his first full season with Vegas in 2022-23, Eichel proved his worth, leading the team in points and being second in goals.
For Eichel to have more playing time, he had to compete with players like Karlsson, Stephenson, Ivan Barbashev, Brett Howden, Nicolas Roy, Reilly Smith, and Mark Stone.
Eichel had a significant impact in the playoffs, demonstrating his ability in crucial situations.
Eichel proved his worth in every practice and game, earning Cassidy’s trust.
If they put me in a situation and I don’t produce a positive result for the group, then I won’t get opportunities. It’s about gaining confidence through good play, working with the coaches on the structure, what they’re looking for, and then being able to go out and execute it. I think that’s been a very important thing.
Jack Eichel
Although he wasn’t used much in the penalty game with the Sabres, Eichel averaged over 19 minutes per game in each season in Buffalo. In his first season with Cassidy in 2022-23, Eichel averaged 18:46 minutes of ice time per game in the regular season and 18:59 per game in the playoffs, on the way to the Cup.
Eichel’s dedication to becoming a more responsible player allowed him to increase his minutes in the following seasons.
Eichel finished the 2023-24 season with a personal best of 20:31 minutes of ice time per game, and 123:48 minutes in penalty ice time, being second among all Vegas centers, behind Karlsson. He was also second in total power play ice time and seventh in total 5-on-5 ice time on the team, mainly due to missing 19 games.
We’ve always had good centers. I think we definitely took a giant step when we added Jack. You go from having three guys to four guys, maybe five guys, even. Last year, he kind of took the reins and this year he took the reins from Stephenson.
Mark Stone
Marchessault and Stephenson’s departure forced the Golden Knights to seek solutions. Eichel had the best season of his career, with personal bests in assists and points. He could have had his first 100-point campaign if he hadn’t missed five games.
Eichel led Golden Knights forwards in average time on ice, 5-on-5 time on ice, and power-play minutes. He also led all forwards in shorthanded minutes, by a margin of 35 minutes more than Howden. He was second in defensive faceoffs taken.
Vegas had the second-fewest penalty minutes in the NHL, and Eichel was instrumental, with only eight penalty minutes.
It helps when you have the puck a lot. It’s good in the D-zone, but he has the puck on his stick more than he doesn’t. He plays the D-zone fast, but when you’re such a good player, the other team is thinking about not making mistakes.
Mark Stone
Karlsson explained that Cassidy’s system is physically demanding for any center. Centers must be in good physical condition and trained to be able to play long shifts.
Stone added that Cassidy’s structure implies that the centers skate a lot, while the wings must prevent the other team from shooting from the point and be active at the top of the ice.
He’s been handling it well this year. He’s in Butch and his assistants’ third year. It’s natural for him now and it’s good. He’s good at picking up things like taking a guy off the top, as he’s a big, strong guy. He reads the game well, so he’s really becoming a 200-foot player.
William Karlsson
Cassidy learned a lot from the two-way centers he worked with on the Bruins, such as Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci. Cassidy said he spoke with Eichel about the value Bergeron and Krejci brought in efficient defensive zone operations.
Cassidy saw Eichel’s investment results in the championship season. Now, Eichel has grown in his responsibilities as a two-way player who can be used in all situations.
That depends on the player. They have to decide if that’s what they want to do because it’s not easy to review. It’s a mentality many nights, and we have to go to work and he’s done it. He’s taking credit for it, and he should.
Bruce Cassidy
