Well, Jack Eichel kind of backed up what he said about being the best player in the draft by outperforming Connor McDavid at the Draft Combine. [The Score]. Full fitness results: [Pension Plan Puppets]
Jack Eichel(Photo: Dan and Margaret Hickling )
There are going to be people who love the confidence of Jack Eichel. Afterall, in any other year there’s a good chance he would have been the consensus first overall pick. Not only that, but the perceived “disappointment” in Buffalo after they lost the draft lottery was no doubt frustrating for the kid, and you can be sure he wants to prove people wrong. But, it will be a while until we can confidently determine which player is better. Neither has even laced up their skates in an NHL game, and we can’t predict how they will perform, especially early on.
But, there is nothing better a juicy story such as this to talk about for hours on end. It’s a debate that won’t be easily settled, and will be a talking point probably for their entire careers. Eichel and McDavid will be linked together for the rest their lives; it’s essentially the best thing the media could have hoped for. I am looking forward to watching these guys play hockey. And not for the competition between them. I just like seeing skilled players in the game. I’m sure fans of both teams hope that the guy they draft ends up being the superior player. But all I hope is that both players have long careers, score lots of points, and win championships. But, my perspective doesn’t sell as many headlines.
Sidney Crosby offered some advice to McDavid. [Pensburgh]
Get ready for a bunch of Evgeni Malkin trade proposals. [Habs Eyes on the Prize]
The Penguins owners are choosing the right time to sell the team. [Trib Live]
Young Andrei Vasilevskiy was forced into duty when Ben Bishop had to leave the game. And he got the win. [Sportsnet] and [Globe and Mail]. Does Chicago need more from their stars? [Bleacher Report]
Are there issues brewing between Steve Stamkos and his coach? [Pro Hockey Talk]
It’s been a strong showing for Swedish defencemen in this Stanley Cup final. [ESPN]
(Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports)
The Rangers blueline dealt with some injury during their playoff run. [Fan Rag Sports]
Glen Sather may not be the GM in New York for much longer. [Puck Daddy]
Would the Maple Leafs consider trading their first round pick? [Sportsnet]
P.K Subban found himself in a police confrontation. [Hockey Feed]
Phil Kessel is going to be in high demand. [Leafs Nation]
Are the Flames headed in the same direction as the Blackhawks? [Today’s Slap Shot]
And finally, J.J Watt is a Blackhawks fan. [CBS Sports]