Jack Eichel, the No. 2 overall pick at the 2015 NHL draft, has decided to turn pro, signing a three-year, entry-level contract with the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday.
Photos and video taken by WKBW-TV showed Eichel arriving at Buffalo Niagara International Airport earlier Wednesday. He was greeted by team president Ted Black.
Eichel had refused to rule out a sophomore return until after the draft.
The 18-year-old center won the Hobey Baker award as a freshman at Boston University in 2014-15 after posting 26 goals and 45 assists in 40 games for the Terriers.
Eichel, of North Chelmsford, Massachusetts, has the game-changing ability to make an impact at the NHL level for the Sabres in his rookie season.
He should earn plenty of ice time in Buffalo under new coach Dan Bylsma, and should work on the Sabres' power play, too.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.