Report: Sabres’ Eichel criticizes NHL and has strong words for fellow players

Buffalo Sabres star Jack Eichel has never been one to hide his feelings. The 20-year-old superstar in the making wears his heart on his sleeve and isn’t afraid to speak his mind. Maybe it shouldn’t come as a surprise then he was so critical of the NHL and his fellow players a the NHLPA’s Player Media Tour in New York City earlier this week.

Eichel was asked about the role that the league and the players have in marketing the game beyond the on-ice product. It’s long been said that leagues like the NBA and NFL do a far superior job of marketing the personalities and eccentricities of its athletes and that the NHL could take a page or two from their playbook. 

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That’s some remarkably candid and insightful commentary. The NHL could use more players with Eichel’s sense of awareness. Good on you, Jack!