Since joining the Golden Knights earlier this season, Eichel had artificial disk replacement surgery to treat a herniated disk on November 12, 2021 and entered the Vegas lineup on February 16, 2022 against the Colorado Avalanche. He posted his first point in nearly a calendar year, an assist against the Los Angeles Kings on February 18, and scored his first goal with VGK on February 20 at the San Jose Sharks, marking his first goal in the NHL since January 28, 2021. In 31 games with the Golden Knights this season, Eichel has posted 21 points (12 G, 9 A) to go with eight penalty minutes. In the last 31 games, his 12 goals are the most on the team and his 21 points rank third.
The 25-year-old native of North Chelmsford, Massachusetts is a veteran of 406 NHL games and has tallied 151 goals and 225 assists for 376 points in his career. Eichel has recorded 20 goals or more in four seasons. Last season, he finished with 18 points (2 G, 16 A) in 21 games, which was limited due to injury.
The former Buffalo Sabres captain was acquired by Vegas on November 4, 2021. Eichel has been selected to three All-Star games in his career (2018, 2019 and 2020) and was named to the 2016 NHL All-Rookie Team. During his collegiate career, he became the second freshman to win the Hobey Baker Award, and first since Paul Kariya in 1993. During his only season with Boston University, Eichel led the nation with 26 goals, 45 assists and 71 points and was named the Hockey East scoring champion, Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, earned First Team Hockey East honors, was a member of the All-Rookie Team and was named MVP of the conference tournament.
The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy is an annual award under the trusteeship of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association and is given to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.
The winner is selected in a poll of all chapters of the PHWA at the end of the regular season.
The trophy was presented by the NHL Writers' Association in 1968 to commemorate the late William Masterton, a player for the Minnesota North Stars, who exhibited, to a high degree, the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. Masterton died on Jan. 15, 1968, after an injury sustained during a game.
ABOUT THE VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS
The Vegas Golden Knights are a National Hockey League franchise owned and operated by Black Knight Sports and Entertainment LLC. The Vegas Golden Knights were established by founding partners William Foley and his family and the Maloof family. For the latest news and information on the Golden Knights visit
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