Buffalo Sabres Rumors: Could Jack Eichel Return To Boston University Next Season?

The Buffalo Sabres finally have their franchise superstar in Jack Eichel, but rumors indicate that the Boston University star may consider spending one more year in college before entering the professional ranks.

The Sabres picked Eichel with the No. 2 pick in the 2015 NHL Draft on Friday, the superstar that the team had been waiting for through two years of a difficult and at times bleak rebuilding process.

But there are rumors that the Buffalo Sabres could still have a bit longer to wait before they can see Eichel on the ice. The college standout hasn’t yet said if he will return to Boston University next season.

Jack Eichel wouldn’t say one way or the other when asked on Friday.

“I guess we’ll see in a few days,” he said. “I don’t know. I can’t let the cat out of the bag.”

But while rumors have persisted over the course of the last few months that Eichel might return for another year of college, indications are that he will be on the Buffalo Sabres in 2015. After he was picked on Friday, Eichel implied that he’s ready to make an immediate impact on the team.

“I just want to be a piece of the puzzle. Buffalo wants success and they want it soon. I think that’s what going to happen,” he said.

Eichel also appears to be taking it all in after being picked No. 2 behind Connor McDavid, who is also projected to be a superstar.

“It feels tremendous,” he said. “The feeling of wearing this jersey right now, it really hasn’t sunk in. To be able to talk to my family and my friends that are all here about the fact that I was just selected by the Sabres in the NHL Draft, it’s a dream come true.”

After finishing dead last each of the last two seasons, the Sabres appear to have put their rebuild on fast forward. The Sabres have amassed a young and talented team led by Eichel, Evander Kane, and Sam Reinhart. The team also has a number of young prospects ready to join the NHL this season (or made the move last year), leading some to believe that Buffalo could be a darkhorse playoff contender this season.

The rumors regarding the Buffalo Sabres and Jack Eichel could be cleared up soon. The Boston University star is expected to announce his decision shortly, with most thinking he’ll pick the Sabres.

[Image via Getty Images/ Bruce Bennett]