Eichel, whose rookie season just ended, will sit out May's world championships in order to rest up his body, The Buffalo News reports. "I think it's time for me to take a little break and unwind a little bit here, kind of take a deep breath for the first time in a while," said Eichel "It's important mentally, physically, emotionally to take some time, be with your family, collect yourself, put the hockey bag away, stay out of the gym. Just relax a little bit, rejuvenate your mind, rejuvenate your body and prepare for your offseason training the right way where you can get the maximum results to help you come back next season feeling better than ever and hopefully take that next step."

EDGE Analysis

While it would have been exciting to see the budding superstar play in the tournament, Eichel has had a long year between last year's college season, the world championships, the draft, and his first NHL season. Keeper league owners will be happy he's not at risk of further injury, and Eichel should come into camp next season in good shape and looking to improve on his 56-point campaign.