Sabres Name Eichel Captain

It’s official: the Buffalo Sabres have named Jack Eichel as their captain for the 2018-19 NHL season. He is now the youngest captain in franchise history.

The 21-year-old, who will turn 22 later this month, is entering his fourth NHL season, all with the Sabres. Last season, Eichel put up 64 points, including 25 goals, in 67 games.

Overall, through three seasons, he’s registered 177 points in 209 regular-season games.

The Sabres did not have a captain last season, instead naming several alternates - including Eichel, alongside the now-departed Ryan O’Reilly; Zach Bogosian and Kyle Okposo.

Eichel will be the Sabres’ first captain since Brian Gionta several seasons ago. He now joins the ranks of players like Chris Drury, Pat LaFontaine and Gilbert Perreault.

Joining Eichel in the Sabres’ leadership core this season are Bogosian and Okposo, who will both wear As for the second consecutive season.

Eichel and “his” team will kick off the season Thursday evening when they host the Boston Bruins at KeyBank Center. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m.