PHILADELPHIA -- The conclusion of the 2014 NHL Draft at Wells Fargo Center signals the official opening of the Connor McDavid-Jack Eichel sweepstakes for the 2015 event at BB&T Center in Sunrise, Fla.
In a draft that looks to be loaded with talent across the board, McDavid of the Erie Otters in the Ontario Hockey League and Eichel, who will be a freshman at Boston University in Hockey East, will be the headliners.
Each is a center who possesses two qualities that are tough to teach: work ethic and big-game ability. Each represented his country at the 2014 IIHF World Junior Championship in Sweden; McDavid played for Canada and Eichel for the United States. They'll likely be going head-to-head at the 2015 World Juniors in Montreal and Toronto beginning Dec. 26.
"To get on the team again would be so exciting in Montreal and Toronto around Christmastime," Eichel told NHL.com Saturday. "There are a great group of guys who could potentially make the team, and there's a great coaching staff, so it should be another great tournament."