Jack Eichel talks after getting drafted. ©2015, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Jack Eichel felt like he was part of Sabres for long time

SUNRISE, Fla. – For more than two months, Jack Eichel wouldn’t say much about his future. Of course, the 18-year-old knew the Buffalo Sabres would select him second overall at the NHL Draft. But the Boston University superstar played it cool, saying things like “if the Sabres draft him.”

But deep down, Eichel had a special feeling about the Sabres. He felt a warm welcome from the community and fans when the Sabres hosted the NHL Combine earlier this month.

So when the Sabres finally selected him tonight at the NHL Draft inside the BB&R Center, Eichel shared his true feelings.

“Even though I hadn’t been selected until today, it seems like I’ve been a part of the Buffalo Sabres for a while now,” he told a throng of cameras and reporters. “To finally put this jersey on, it’s a tremendous feeling.”

Now, about his future. Eichel still wouldn’t say whether he’ll turn pro or return to college. He plans to announce his decision in “a few days.”

Is he leaning one way?

“I don’t know,” he said.

Clearly, Eichel was overwhelmed with emotion and just wanted to enjoy the special moment.

“It’s tough to put it into words,” he said about what he was feeling. “Thinking back on the entire year, it’s been the best year of my life. This really caps it off. … Until you hear your name called and you go on stage and put a jersey on there’s nothing like it. It’s an unbelievable feeling.”

The Sabres’ recent moves – they acquired center Ryan O’Reilly from the Colorado Avalanche moments before his selection was announced – have impressed him.

“As a city and the Sabres as a team, it’s heading in the right direction,” Eichel said. “When you look at some of the moves that they’ve made, the guys they’ve acquired, some of the guys on the team, there are a lot of positives. I just want to be a piece of the puzzle, because Buffalo wants success and wants success soon.”

Eichel’s excited to join the community and feel the support of the Sabres’ rabid fan base.

“They’re so welcoming,” he said. “They’re so passionate about hockey. That means a lot to me, to go to a hockey community like that.”

What number will Eichel wear? He sported No. 9 in college, a digit winger Evander Kane grabbed in February. Eichel was given No. 15 for 2015 to wear on stage.

“Fifteen’s a good number,” Eichel said. “I’ve worn it before. It’s my dad’s lucky number. It’s my sister’s lucky number. It’s my dad’s number. It happened to be the year I was drafted. So there’s a lot of significance to the No. 15.”

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