1. Possible Franchise Players

Every year, a new crop of players have people foaming at the mouths. The possibility of someone becoming that “one” player that will bring salvation: the Michael Jordan of hockey.

This may be the case this year. Much hype and attention has been placed on the first two picks of this year’s draft. Projected to be these slam dunk picks are Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel.

Who are these guys, and what makes them so special, you may ask?

So, it might be worth your while to tune in and see where the two go. They are projected to make an immediate impact for whichever team selects them. More so for McDavid, as he has been described as the next Wayne Gretzky or Sidney Crosby.

According to NHL’s Central Scouting, McDavid is ranked the number one prospect. He’s proven himself to be a formidable player on the ice. Before, he was 15 years old, he registered 209 points (79 goals, 130 assists) playing in his Canadian childhood province of Ontario. After wards, he given exemption status into the OHL (Ontario Hockey League). There, McDavid played three seasons with the Erie Otters and compiled 285 points in 166 games.

 

Last season, McDavid set career-highs in goals (44) and assists (76), giving him 120 points in 47 games. He’s taken part in international competition as a member of Team Canada. He twice donned the Maple Leaf (Canada’s national symbol) jersey twice, taking gold in the 2015 World Junior Championships.

Behind him is Eichel.

The 6’2 center from Massachusetts, doesn’t have the junior hockey experience as McDavid. However, he does have plenty of international play under his belt, representing Team USA on six teams in two years.

At age 15, he participated in the World U-17 (Under 17) Hockey Tournament held annually in Canada, capturing a bronze medal with Team USA. He would capture silver and gold medals in the World Junior Under-18 Tournaments.

For two seasons, he played in the USHL (United States Hockey League), which is the top junior league in the country. In his career, he would score 139 points in 111 games. In 2013-2014, Eichel would see his highest offensive output with 38 goals and 49 assists in 53 games.

Eichel’s collegiate career was spent with Boston University. In his freshman season, he totaled 71 points (26 goals, 45 assists) in 40 games.

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I'm a blogger trying to make it in this world. Have been, and always will be, a fan of the NYR and NYG. Writing for the New Jersey Devils cause, well, someone has to do it!