McDavid, Eichel could play at Worlds

Aaron Vickers2015 Draft Center, Tournaments & Events

Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel could find themselves going head-to-head one final time before the 2015 NHL Draft.

According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, if McDavid, a Canadian, and Eichel, an American, are available to play, both are likely to earn invites by their respective countries to compete in the 2015 IIHF World Championship.

Eichel, currently seeking an NCAA title with Boston University, will be eligible to play for the United States since the Frozen Four tournament concludes before the World Championship gets underway May 1st in the Czech Republic.

The 18-year-old forward has 24 goals and 67 points in 37 games with Boston University this season and is the first freshman to be nominated for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award in 12 years. He has already been named the Hockey East scoring champion, rookie of the year, player of the year, first team Hockey East all-star and a member of the all-rookie team.

The North Chelmsford, MA native was also named the most valuable player at the Hockey East playoff tournament and could become the first freshman to capture the Hobey Baker since University of Maine forward Paul Kariya in 1993.

McDavid’s participation is a little more uncertain.

His availability depends on how far the Erie Otters can advance in the Ontario Hockey League playoffs. The Otters eliminated the Sarnia Sting in five games in their opening round series.

McDavid, also 18, had 44 goals and 120 points and was plus-60 in 47 regular season games with Erie.

Both he and Eichel are expected to be the top two picks at the draft in June.