Jack Eichel to be tested by NHL talent at world championships

The hockey world will get a rare look at the formation of a star when American wunderkind Jack Eichel plays his first true competition against pro players at the World Championships in Ostrava, Czech Republic.

Eichel, expected to be the No. 2 pick by the Buffalo Sabres in the June draft, will play for Team USA when it faces off against Finland at 10:15 a.m. ET Friday.

"My initial thoughts are you can see the talent," said Columbus Blue Jackets coach Todd Richards, who is coaching Team USA in the tournament. "To me, it will be interesting to see how he manages in that game and the grind of it all moving forward."

Eichel, 18, is the best American center prospect since Mike Modano was drafted No. 1 overall in 1988.

"He is big, rangy and amazing skill," Richards told Paste BN Sports. "He has a lot of the same skills I see in (Columbus Blue Jackets) Ryan Johansen, similar build, reach, shot."

Usually, Team USA's roster for the World Championships is primarily NHL talent, but this year's team has a collection of college players, including Eichel (Boston University), Michigan's Dylan Larkin (Detroit Red Wings), Harvard's Jimmy Vesey (Nashville Predators) and Minnesota's Mike Reilly (Blue Jackets).

The Americans received some major help Thursday when New York Islanders Anders Lee and Brock Nelson arrived, along with Dallas Stars goalie Jack Campbell.

Team USA's strength will be on a defense that will feature Justin Faulk (Carolina Hurricanes), Seth Jones (Nashville Predators), Torey Krug (Boston Bruins), Jake Gardiner (Toronto Maple Leafs), plus John Moore and Connor Murphy (Arizona Coyotes).

"Right now, the strength of our group is that back end," Richards said. "We have NHL players, guys who have played significant roles on their teams. We have mobile guys, who can get up the ice and contribute offensively. "

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