We’ve seen this movie before. Extremely talented, young player, frustrated with the losing culture of the franchise he’s become the face of. They seem to deflect blame and voice their opinion on the direction, all while getting coaches and GM’s fired during the team’s downward spiral. This young player is Buffalo Sabres’ Captain, Jack Eichel.
What’s the problem?
Eichel, a 23-year-old play-making superstar, has been with the Sabres since he was drafted second overall in the 2015 NHL draft. Yes, the McDavid draft. Since then, Eichel’s Sabres have had THREE general managers, and ZERO playoff games. So it leaves little doubt that Eichel is the problem, yeah?
Forget his near MVP play this season, or his 16.5 GAR, 2.3 WAR, and the fact that he was the eighth-best forward in the league. If he was smart, he’d just do what he’s told and be okay with being the star of everyone’s favorite meme team (sans Ottawa Senators). Or better yet, as we see here, he just needs to WANT to win more.
Sad to think about how many good men have lost jobs in Buffalo simply because Jack Eichel lacks the Will To Win.
— death metal dad (1312) (@briancrd) June 16, 2020
We’re watching a guy with endless talent on the ice, throw it all away just to be a loud voice in *checks notes* Buffalo.
He’s Just Not a Winner
It’s the laziest, yet most common criticism in the hockey world. It makes sense, though. He was having his best statistical season because he just plain doesn’t care about winning. He changed his number because he’s selfish, he voiced frustration because he hates Buffalo, and he signed a contract that keeps him there until 2026 (!!!) because he doesn’t KNOW how to win.
Jack Eichel got the GM he wanted
— Nathaniel Marlowe (@nat_marlowe) May 28, 2020
Jack Eichel got the Head Coach he wanted
Jack Eichel got the team he wanted
Jack Eichel got the Captaincy he wanted
Jack Eichel got the contract he wanted
Jack Eichel got EVERYTHING he wanted but never blames himself when he continues to lose
I get it, though. It’s much more enticing to throw our sorrow towards Connor McDavid in Edmonton because all he has is the Art Ross trophy winner by his side. Jack Eichel doesn’t need our defending. He’s the reason Jeff Skinner has fallen off a cliff. He also, very clearly, brainwashed Rasmus Ristolainen and made him forget everything he’s ever known about defense.
It’s Not Me, It’s You
An impending breakup seems all too likely until you realize we’re talking about the NHL. Guys don’t like to move their shit. They hate creating a villainous persona, even though the entirety of NHL fandom would (err, should) understand why our ginger-haired prince wants out of Buffalo. Somehow part of the focus has shifted to a guy who does everything in his power to make the Sabres a marketable team, instead of the “power couple” that is dragging their own team through the mud.
Yeah, the Pegula’s fucking suck. From Kim lying to fans about now-former GM Jason Botterill‘s future to Terry claiming there are no financial issues while simultaneously gutting their front office and scouting department. Maybe, just maybe, the perpetual feeling of fighting a losing battle is coming from the top, and not the ice. Maybe not, though. I mean, you have enough reasons to blame Jack Eichel, right?
