NHL: Jack Eichel changes agents in hopes of getting traded
Elliotte Friedman is reporting that Jack Eichel has changed his representation from Peter Fish and Peter Donatelli to Pat Brisson.
Eichel’s move to one of the game’s most powerful sports agents is a clear indication of just how frustrated he is with his current situation. Brisson represents 52 NHL players including top names like John Tavares, Patrick Kane, Sidney Crosby, Jonathan Toews, and Claude Giroux. Per Puckpedia, the total value of all his contracts are worth $1,044,859,004.
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Eichel changes agents
Jack Eichel expected to already be traded and on his road to recovery from neck surgery. His former agents may have waited too long and were more reactive than proactive.
It took continued comments from Sabres GM Kevyn Adams about not feeling pressured and making it clear he controls the situation for them to finally respond.
The statement was strong but obviously did not move the needle.
The process is not working. As previously stated, we fully anticipated a trade by the start of the NHL free agency period. After the agreed upon and prescribed period for conservative rehabilitation lapsed in early June 2021, it was determined by the Sabres medical staff that a surgical procedure was required. The recommendation by Jack’s independent neurosurgeon, other spine specialists consulted, and the surgery Jack feels most comfortable having in order to correct a herniated disc in his neck is to proceed with Artificial Disc Replacement surgery. A further point of concern is that our camp was initially under the impression that the Sabres specialist was in agreement with the Artificial Disc Replacement surgery until it was no longer the case.
What is being left out of the discussion is that Jack would be able to play in the NHL for the start of the season pending medical clearance if he were allowed to have the surgery he desires even as of this date. Repeated requests have been made to the Sabres since early June to no avail. This process is stopping Jack from playing in the NHL and it is not working.
Will this change anything?
To compare Brisson to Fish would not be fair. Now that Eichel has moved on, Fish’s biggest client is Oliver Bjorkstand.
Brisson also represents Sabres forward Kyle Okposo but remember, at some point the Sabres may be looking to improve their lineup via free agency. Odds are they could be looking at a star that Brisson represents and if you think there isn’t a personal aspect to negotiations, you’d be wrong.
Speaking with a former team executive, they agreed that this was the move Eichel needed to make. Calling Brisson a “true professional” and just exactly what this situation needs.
For now, we will have to sit tight and see if this moves the needle in a positive direction for Eichel. Although this move was made for the sole purpose of applying the heat to the Sabres into making a trade.
Note: I have reached out to Pat Brisson and several others for this story. Will update with any new information.
-This article first appeared at the Daily Goal Horn.
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