Pessimists of Buffalo, relax. Jack Eichel is going pro. The Sabres have announced that they have officially signed Eichel to his three-year entry-level deal, meaning he will be playing for the Sabres this year.
BREAKING NEWS: Jack Eichel signs three-year, entry-level contract with #Sabres. Details to come. pic.twitter.com/4nDj6zWcap
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) July 1, 2015
Talk that Eichel would be signing today began when Shawn Stepner of WKBW reported that the former BU Terrier would be in Buffalo today to sign. Channel 7 continued to follow the story as the day went along, tweeting out pictures and video of Eichel arriving at the Buffalo-Niagara Airport earlier this afternoon.
The Sabres will have a press conference to announce the signing at 5 p.m.
Eichel has been coy when it comes to answering questions about going pro. There were reports that he had made a decision prior to the draft, and would announce his choice following his selection. However, he stayed mute when asked in numerous post-draft interviews.
The Sabres second-overall pick in this year’s draft, Eichel scored 26 goals and 45 assists in 40 games with Boston University. He won the Hobey Baker as the top player in college hockey.