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NHL analyst Mike Johnson compares Jack Eichel with Nathan MacKinnon & Connor McDavid to justify his No. 8 rank in Top 20 centers list

Modified Aug 26, 2024 06:18 GMT

NHL analyst Mike Johnsson has weighed in on Jack Eichel's ranking as the eighth-best center in the league, as released by the NHL Network.

To justify the position, the analyst compared Eichel with elite players Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid, expressing skepticism about the ranking. However, Johnson acknowledged that given Eichel's impressive numbers and achievements, the ranking is justified.

On the NHL Network, Mike Johnsson said:

"He's as fast and as strong a skater as there is, up there with MacKinnon. Maybe a different kind of skater than McDavid, but when it comes to raw power... he's almost as good as anybody in the world."

Johnson also noted Jack Eichel's battle with injuries. Despite Eichel winning the Stanley Cup, the analyst reckons he has untapped potential, making it exciting to consider what Eichel could accomplish if he has a fullly healthy season.

"Initially, I thought it might be high, but considering his numbers and accomplishments, it's totally appropriate.

"He's had a long history of serious injuries and hasn't played a full 82-game schedule. He's missed at least 15 games in each of the last four seasons," Johnson said.

He continued:

"He needs to stay healthy. If he can do that, he'll comfortably be in the top 10. Physically, he's as fast and strong a skater as almost anyone, with raw power to blow through checks and make plays. Despite his accomplishments, including a Stanley Cup win, he still has a lot more to give."

"It's exciting to think about what he could achieve if he stays healthy for a whole year. They'll be excited to see what he can do if he stays healthy. He's a dynamic player who works hard and has the ability to dominate games," he added.

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How has Jack Eichel fared in the NHL?

Jack Eichel was drafted No. 2 overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2015 NHL draft. He joined the Golden Knights after playing for the Sabres for six seasons. The 27-year-old has been with the Golden Knights for three seasons.

In 2023, Eichel achieved a significant milestone by winning the Stanley Cup. Remarkably, he led the playoffs in scoring with 26 points, through six goals and 20 assists.

The impressive performances have solidified his position among the elite centers in the league, justifying his eight-placed ranking by the NHL Network.