Bruce Cassidy is building the next Bergeron

Beyond his offensive prowess, often overshadowed, Bergeron showcased exceptional consistency, notching an impressive 477 goals and 691 assists, averaging a point in nearly 80% of the games he played. Notably, during the challenging 2006 season, he displayed his commitment to the team, finishing with a -28 in the plus/minus category.

Coach Bruce Cassidy, who closely collaborated with Bergeron for nearly six seasons, witnessed firsthand the forward's defensive brilliance, leading to two well-deserved Frank J. Selke Trophies.

Now, Cassidy embarks on a new challenge, guiding Jack Eichel, whom he encountered in Cape Cod, to elevate his defensive prowess in Vegas. While Eichel's offensive talents are undeniable, under Cassidy's expert tutelage, he seeks to enhance his defensive contributions and become a more complete player.

Analyzing the stats, Eichel's defensive zone shift starts stood at 12%, lower than Bergeron's impressive 20.2%, pointing to significant potential for growth.

Despite Eichel's commendable discipline with only six penalty minutes and 47 takeaways, Bergeron shined brighter with 38 takeaways and a remarkable +71 on-ice goal differential, surpassing Eichel's +41.

While Eichel has a long journey ahead before being mentioned alongside the game's greatest 200-foot players, Cassidy's guidance will prove invaluable in his development.

As Eichel strives for year-over-year improvements, hockey enthusiasts eagerly await to witness the progress of his numbers in the seasons to come.

Source: Vegashockeynow