The Friesen Files: Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel start the season on scoring tears

BTN will be featuring a monthly article on the race between Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel in the 2015 NHL draft class. Five other draft prospects will also be featured in the story to shed light on the talent beyond the two phenoms.

When considering the extremely high expectations put on 2015 draft prospects Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel, it’s hard to fathom how they could exceed what is expected of them this year. But when breaking down their ridiculous starts to the season, it seems as though they have done exactly that.

McDavid has been a human highlight reel for the Erie Otters. He has not only scored at least one point in all 14 games that he’s played, but he also averages three points a game with 14 goals and 42 points. He’s currently on pace to outperform Sidney Crosby’s draft year season of a 2.71 point-per-game average with the QMJHL’s Rimouski Oceanic. To top it all off, he somehow managed to shatter a puck into eight pieces at practice with a shot off the crossbar.

It was fitting that Eichel was named the NCAA’s National Rookie of the Month for October after his outstanding

start to his college career at Boston University. The 18-year-old has reassured scouts that he more than likely will be in the NHL next year by leading his team in scoring with four goals and nine points in five games.

“From the start, Jack Eichel was always considered and will very likely be a one-and-done college hockey player,” says Matt Grainda of International Scouting Services. “The kind of numbers he is putting up at the NCAA level is surprising, though. But since he has always played well above his level, I’m not sure why anything else was expected at this level. He’s getting the puck on net, making plays happen all over the ice and working hard to showcase his talents.”

With McDavid and Eichel both on scoring tears, it seems the consensus on the top two prospects of the 2015 draft remains the same. McDavid has a half of a step on Eichel as the No. 1 talent in the draft. But like every draft year, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. The world junior championship, OHL and NCAA playoffs will give scouts a better idea on whether the native of North Chelmsfort, MA., has what it takes to hurdle the Newmarket, Ont., native.

“You’re going to find some scouts that like McDavid and some that like Eichel for the No. 1 selection,” says Grainda. “I personally still have McDavid as the top prospect for the 2015 NHL Draft. But Eichel is threatening to move from No. 2 to No. 1.5 with his recent play. If I’m making the selection today, I’m going with McDavid. NHL teams can’t go wrong with either player. They are both excellent pieces to build a NHL franchise around. Right now it’s a two-horse race for the top spot and it’s going to go down to the wire.”

Five to watch

Oliver Kylington, defence, Farjestad (SHL) – The 6-foot, 181-pound Kylington is regarded as the top overseas player in the 2015 draft. The combination of his excellent skating ability, play-making skills and vision leads scouts to believe that he could be a future top-pairing defenceman at the NHL level one day.

“He’s a player with tons of talent as a fluid, smooth skater who plays an effective two-way game,” says NHL Central Scouting Service scout Göran Stubb.” He has excellent vision and likes to join the offensive rush. He’s also a very good passer and play-maker. He’s more of a finesse type of player, but he does not shy away from tight situations.”

Dylan Strome, forward, Erie Otters (OHL) – McDavid isn’t the only Otter tearing up the OHL. Strome has potted 12 goals and 33 points in just 14 contests, putting him only six points back of his point total from his 60-game season last year. There’s no doubt that Strome benefits from playing with McDavid, but it’s not as though it’s not a two-way street.

Despite not being the fastest skater, the Mississauga, Ont., native, whose brother Ryan Strome plays for the New York Islanders, is in the running to be selected with a top-five draft choice. The 6-foot-3, 187-pound forward’s vision is what puts him in the upper echelon of the draft class. Few and far between can slow the game down and anticipate plays as he does on a nightly basis.

Lawson Crouse, wing, Kingston Frontenacs (OHL) – With a 6-foot-4, 211-pound frame, superb work ethic and quality offensive talent, Crouse is one of the draft’s most enticing power forwards. Every NHL team’s desire to have a Wayne Simmonds or Milan Lucic on their team has helped his draft stock. The proof is in the pudding in how ISS ranked him ninth overall in the entire draft in their latest ranking.

The biggest concern surrounding Crouse is whether he possesses enough offensive skill to be a top-line forward at the NHL level. He has done well this year with seven goals and 10 points in 14 games, but he still has prove that he can score often at a consistent pace throughout a full season.

Dennis Yan, wing, Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL) – Yan has taken no time at all to adapt to major junior hockey this year. The 6-foot-1, 187-pound rookie, who spent last year with the U.S. National U17 Team, has scored 12 goals and 17 points in 19 games while spending 26 minutes in the sin bin.

Yan’s slick skating ability and dynamic offensive talent along with his willingness to get his hands dirty here and there makes him one of the more intriguing forwards currently regarded outside of the draft’s first round. His second-third round draft status could change if he continues to light the lamp on a consistent basis, though.

Jesse Gabrielle, wing, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL) – The Moosomin, SK., native is poised for a breakout season on the powerhouse Wheat Kings. He already has 10 goals and 17 points in 18 games following notching 26 points in 49 contests last year.

The 6-foot, 214-pound Gabrielle, who’s ranked as a B-list prospect by NHL CSS, projects to be a bottom six winger at the pro level. He plays a rugged game and thrives at getting under the skin of his opponents while possessing enough offensive talent to be a serious threat at the junior level.

Kelly Friesen is a Buzzing the Net columnist for Yahoo! Sports. Follow him on Twitter @KellyFriesen