The 21-year-old center who was the No. 2 pick in the 2015 NHL Draft led Buffalo in scoring each of the past two seasons, including 64 points (25 goals, 39 assists) in 67 games last season. He has 177 points (73 goals, 104 assists) in 209 NHL games.
"It's really humbling," Eichel said. "Just to be in the consideration would be an honor. It's a huge honor. Obviously I've shown how invested I am in this city and I'm excited for the future."
The Sabres open the 2018-19 season against the Boston Bruins on Thursday (7 p.m. ET; MSG-B, NESN, NHL.TV) and are eager to rebound after finishing last in the NHL with 62 points (25-45-12), 35 behind the New Jersey Devils for the second wild card into the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Eastern Conference. Buffalo last made the playoffs in 2011.
Buffalo did not have a captain last season. Brian Gionta was captain from 2014-15 to 2016-17.
"It was a difficult decision; we have a great leadership group," coach Phil Housley said. "We believe Jack has made the right steps in his maturity. And we believe he's the right guy to lead our franchise."
Defenseman Zach Bogosian and forward Kyle Okposo were named alternate captains.
Eichel agreed to an eight-year, $80 million contract extension with Buffalo on Oct. 3, 2017. That contract begins this season.
"With or without the contract, that was my goal coming into camp, to be a leader, to be a guy others could rely on and try to push our team and organization to the next level," he said the next day. "I want to be that person; I want to take on more responsibilities. Obviously when something like this happens, it maximizes that and you could be under more of a microscope. There are so many great leaders in that room and so many great people in this city and the organization, I just try to be myself and be the best player I can be every day and be the best teammate."
