Among the first to congratulate Eichel on the award stage was Vesey, who would have been Harvard’s fourth Hobey Baker winner and first since Lane MacDonald ’88-89. Vesey is the Crimson’s first Hat Trick finalist—a designation started in 2013—and Harvard’s first top-10 finalist since 2005.

Eichel now faces a similar decision to the one Vesey faced two weeks ago. The freshman is expected to be a top-two pick in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft this June.

While many observers expect him to sign a professional contract this summer, Eichel sees value in the route that Vesey has chosen.

“Obviously, [Vesey] would have had an opportunity to go to Nashville and play right away, but he also has a chance to get a degree from Harvard,” Eichel said on Friday. “A lot of people have given me advice that I’m sure Jimmy got as well. There’s no rush to go anywhere. Enjoy yourself, and live in the moment.”

Vesey is enjoying himself but looking ahead. After Prague, he will set course for Tampa, Fla.—the site of the 2016 Frozen Four.

“I think we think as a team that we could have been at the Frozen Four this weekend, so we’re just going to try to come back bigger, stronger, and faster,” Vesey said. “We definitely hope to be in Tampa next spring.”

—Crimson staff writer Michael D. Ledecky can be reached at michael.ledecky@thecrimson.com. Follow him on X @mdledecky.