‘It’d be foolish to assert Eichel isn’t ready. Battling through a second straight injury-shortened campaign, Eichel fell three points shy of posting point-per-game scoring numbers in 2017-18 and his 25 goals and 64 points were both career-best marks. He was an unstoppable force for the Sabres in the second half of the season despite missing more than a handful of games, too, producing 10 goals and 29 points in 29 contests down the stretch, highlighted by a monster five-assist against the eventual Presidents’ Trophy-winning Nashville Predators. His on-ice underlying numbers spoke volumes about his play, as well. He was often tasked with the toughest competition, yet boasted a better relative possession numbers and a better relative goals for percentage than all but a select few teammates.’