Jack Eichel trade talk picking up; despite diminished interest from Rangers and Kings
Over the last few days both Elliotte Friedman and Pierre LeBrun are reporting that trade talks concerning Jack Eichel are picking up. The biggest question that I continue to pose is if this “talk” is coming mostly from the Buffalo Sabres side.
It’s a fair question considering that the two most often rumored teams have diminished or no interest at all. On May 21st, I was informed that the Rangers were not likely to pursue Jack Eichel based on his neck injury, Sabres trade demands, and a lesser extent salary.
Recently, John Hoven reported that the Kings were not interested in making a trade for Eichel as well. He even responded to the latest rumor buzz with the following tweet. “Have to hand it to the Sabres and/or Eichel’s camp for continuing to link him to LA through the media,” Hoven said. “I’ve checked and rechecked multiple times with various sources. Nothing has changed.”
Jack Eichel trade talk picking up
Yesterday, Elliotte Friedman implied that trade talks were picking up around the Sabres but he added the caveat that it could be about Sam Reinhart. In his latest blog he noted that a source informed him that come the draft the Sabres would have two high first round picks. Whether that comes from dealing Eichel or Reinhart we will soon find out.
I did ask around to see if the Sabres gave anyone permission to talk to Jack Eichel, but don’t believe that’s the case. Everyone’s gone into the cone of silence. From what I can tell, the team and its captain are negotiating the next steps of his recovery. Multiple sources indicate that if there’s any deal involving either Eichel or Sam Reinhart, do not be surprised if the Sabres end up with a second high first-round selection in July’s draft.
31 Thoughts
This morning, Pierre LeBrun put forth his own insights into the Jack Eichel situation.
Nobody said the Stanley Cup playoffs had to be over before Jack Eichel potentially gets moved. And while I’m not saying the star center will get traded before the end of the playoffs, what I’m hearing is that conversations between the Buffalo Sabres and other interested teams are getting more intense and serious. So read into that what you will. The next few weeks could be intriguing on that front.
Pierre LeBrun, The Athletic
Sabres and Jack Eichel trying to create a trade market?
It’s no big secret that the Sabres are ready to move on from Jack Eichel, and the feeling is mutual. What I am wondering is if there’s a market for an injured superstar who makes $10,000,000 per season?
As I said earlier, the Rangers are probably still interested but that dropped off considerably since news of his neck injury surfaced. It’s going to take clarity on his neck injury and a lessening of their trade demands just to get them Blueshirts back in the mix. Even then, the salary is a concern starting in 2022 once Mika Zibanejad’s new deal gets done.
As for the Kings, they were likely never in on him at all which was tipped off to me in March. Eichel’s hometown Bruins are also said to be out of the mix – so who does that really leave? The Flames or the Blue Jackets are possibilities but neither is a given. One other team are the Anaheim Ducks, but outside of speculation none of these teams mentioned have been linked to the 24 year-old star.
Do I think Jack Eichel will be traded? Yes, I do and it will likely come right after the Seattle Expansion draft on July 21st and before the NHL Draft on July 23rd. Who will get him? My gut tell’s me it is going to be the Rangers and for a good deal that will look great if he recovers fully from neck surgery.
There’s also the distinct possibility he doesn’t get traded, and has the disc replacement procedure. He then sits out for the year to heal and possibly gets moved at the trade deadline. However, if he gets to next summer his no-trade kicks in and he will truly control where he goes.
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