Podcast Stirs Up Eichel Rumours

Sportsnet’s new CHL podcast “Junior” got the internet all fired up today with this tweet.

Lot's of talk/speculation about Jack Eichel leaving BU for Saint John of the Q after the WJC on the 'Junior' podcast today. Will be up soon.
— Junior (@SNetJunior) December 17, 2014

The podcast can be heard online here and also downloaded on iTunes.

On the show, hosts Jeff Marek and Sam Cosentino discussed rumours that Jack Eichel will leave Boston University and join the Sea Dogs following the world juniors. These rumours have, apparently, been heating up over the past few weeks after a couple months of relative silence.

“I’ve heard that from a couple of different, pretty good sources,” Cosentino said about the rumours.

“This isn’t just one person. I’ve heard it from three different people now – all [of whom] I would consider to be good sources.”

Cosentino and Marek then said that playing a pro-like schedule for the second half of the season would be beneficial, especially where it is unlikely Eichel will be playing anywhere but the NHL next season.

They also praised the surprising the Sea Dogs.

“For me, they might be the best team in the league,” Cosentino said about the Sea Dogs if infused with Eichel’s presence.

But, there is also this tweet from the very reliable Mike McMahon of College Hockey News.

Seems silly that I even had to ask around (again) but told there's a 0.0% chance Eichel leaves for Saint John.
— Mike McMahon (@MikeMcMahonCHN) December 17, 2014

And from the Chronicle Herald’s Willy Palov.

Only way Eichel leaves BU for Saint John is if his grades affect his 2nd half eligibility, according to my sources. Not impossible but...
— Willy Palov (@WillyPalov) December 17, 2014

And for the record, Sea Dogs GM Darrell Young has been assured Eichel's grades are fine and has no expectation of seeing him Saint John.
— Willy Palov (@WillyPalov) December 17, 2014

Eichel is tied for the NCAA Division I scoring lead with eight goals and 19 assists in 16 games with Boston University. He’s currently with Team USA preparing for the World Junior Hockey Championship. Also, he’s ranked second by every major scouting publication for the 2015 NHL Draft.