Jack Eichel Called Out for Lazy Play

The former Buffalo Sabres star Captain is getting heat for his play in a loss to Calgary.

Get our free mobile app

The Las Vegas Golden Knights sent Alex Tuch, Peyton Krebs, a first-round pick, and a conditional 2nd round pick to the Buffalo Sabres back in November of 2021 for Jack Eichel and a 3rd round pick. It was a blockbuster trade that many assumed at the time the Golden Knights won. After all, Eichel is considered a generational talent who was being wasted in Buffalo while the team continues an all-time drought of not appearing in the playoffs.

So far, though, the trade looks to have been won by the Buffalo Sabres.

The Sabres are building into a contender, finally. Especially because of that trade. Alex Tuch and Peyton Krebbs both immediately made a difference in the lineup and are current;y fixtures on their main roster. Meaning, Las Vegas went from being in the playoff picture and a Stanley Cup contender when they traded for Eichel, to completely missing the playoffs with him. Eichel was criticized for his lack of impact and leadership as the Golden Knights missed the playoffs. He also drew the anger of Sabres fans when he responded to this after losing to Buffalo last year:

This is a new season, however. Vegas is starting fresh with Jack. However, Jack may not be starting so fresh with them. In their 3-2 loss against Calgary, Eichel's play was called out as he was on the ice for Calgary's game-winning goal.

For the record, this is a LAS VEGAS SPORTS SIGHT doing it. Not a Buffalo one. Though Sabres fans were very quick to jump on the hate train. Sin Bin Vegas however does make a great point about his play:

Now, to be fair to Eichel, Vegas is 3-1 on the season and he has 3 points in 4 games. If you care about this stat, he's a +1 as well. Certainly not playing terrible. It will be interesting to see if this trend continues for Eichel though, who has a lot of pressure and eyes on him.