Jack Eichel opens up about his transition to Vegas Golden Knights after end of Buffalo Sabres stint

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Aug 05, 2024 06:40 GMT

Jack Eichel talked about his move from the Buffalo Sabres to the Vegas Golden Knights. In a video from NHL Network on X (formerly Twitter), he shared how the transition was for him. Eichel admitted that starting with a new team was tough at first because he was not used to it. However, he appreciated the Golden Knights' warm welcome and the help from experienced teammates, which made the change easier.

"I think two years ago, I was probably a little bit naive, not knowing what to expect, I think you have teammates, and majority of the guys in our dressing room if not all of them had been through before with a lot of experience of winning," Eichel said.

Eichel was traded to Vegas on November 4, 2021. The deal included him and a third-round draft pick in exchange for Alex Tuch, Peyton Krebs, and several draft picks. This trade was a big shift for Eichel. He noted that the Golden Knights' supportive culture and management made his transition smoother.

"So just being able to lean on those guys during that run, and just coming into the organization being a part of it, it's I mean, it's such an easy place to play hockey, in the sense of the organization takes such good care of us. There's so many great guys in the locker room, so many veterans, leaders, amazing people. So, for me, it was a seamless transition," Eichel continued.

"I feel so fortunate to be a part of the of the Vegas Golden Knights organization. Everyone from Bill Foley to the equipment managers to the trainers have made you feel really welcome from day one. So, I feel really fortunate about that," Eichel added.

The team's focus on player care and the presence of veteran players helped him settle in quickly.

Jack Eichel's strong 2023-24 season and future impact with possible new Golden Knights players

Despite lower-body injuries, Jack Eichel had a solid season last year. He averaged 1.08 points per game. He scored 31 goals and had 37 assists. Many of his points were on the power play. Eichel's skill in controlling the game has made him an important player for Vegas.

Looking ahead to the 2024-25 season, there is hope that Jack Eichel will have a standout year. Rumors suggest the Golden Knights might add top players like Mitch Marner or Patrik Laine. If they join, it could improve Eichel’s performance by giving him more chances to score and make plays.