Sabres won't lose out if Eichel returns to school
Now that the draft order is determined, the newest debate in Buffalo is whether likely No. 2 pick Jack Eichel will return to Boston University or report to Sabres training camp in the fall. Everything is still speculation since Eichel has yet to say whether he wants to return to school, but a recent editorial on a Sabres' fan website claimed Buffalo fans shouldn't fret it Eichel does return to school.
Adam Savard of Sabre Noise cited multiple good reasons for Eichel to return to school, including the opportunity for Eichel to finish his education and a chance to seek revenge for a loss in the national title game. According to Savard, there are also good reasons to report to Buffalo too -- Eichel has the opportunity to make a lot of money in the NHL and doesn't have anything left to prove individually at the college level.
Savard put the dilemma for Sabres fans in great perspective.
"Should Eichel return to school it’s not the worst thing to happen to a franchise," Savard wrote. "Ask Winnipeg how they felt about losing a franchise. That’s not happening in Buffalo, but there is a chance the build could take a year longer than fans have the stomach for.
But Savard also noted why fans are so heavily interested in Eichel's choice.
"Fans are more invested in Eichel’s decision because of the investment made over the last two years. This goes beyond being a fan. When you invest in something with money or time you expect to see returns. To ask Sabres fans to be patient for another year might be more than some can handle."
(h/t Sabre Noise)
Photo by Michael Dwyer - AP Photo
