For all the changes made to the Buffalo Sabres' roster over the past four months, count on one aspect of the lineup to remain very much the same in 2018-19: Jack Eichel, turning 22 in October and already in his fourth NHL season, will continue to shoulder more responsibility as the team's top center.
Eichel returns donning a new number on his sweater - he switched to the No. 9 he wore in college at Boston University and with Team USA - and largely with a new cast of teammates surrounding him. He'll look to build on his strong finish from last season, when he performed at a point-per-game pace over his last 50 games, with hopes of influencing change in the standings.
If his comments from the locker cleanout day are any indication, he's ready for the challenge.
Camp Preview: Eichel will look to build on strong finish
Center performed at a point-per-game pace over his last 50 games
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