It has been reported by Elliotte Friedman that the Buffalo Sabres don’t want to bring captain Jack Eichel back for the 2021-22 season. It looks like a Jack Eichel trade is now inevitable.
Friedman – At the end of the day, I don't think the #Sabres want to bring back Jack Eichel. They want to move on. #LetsGoBuffalo
— WGR 550 (@WGR550) June 10, 2021
Jack Eichel Is Likely Being Traded Before 2021-22 Season
It’s no news to anybody that the relationship between the Sabres and Jack Eichel has been shaken for a while now. Trade rumours have been going around the league since before the start of the 2020-21 season. They’re still going strong. However, things got worse after Eichel’s season-ending interview.
The Sabres captain said there was some disconnect with the team on how his neck hernia was going to be treated. The way Eichel put it led everyone to believe Buffalo was not allowing him to get proper treatment for the injury. The captain reportedly wanted surgery to repair his injury.
When the general manager’s season-ending interview came, Kevyn Adams gave his side of the story. According to him, the team’s medical staff and Eichel’s doctors agreed on a less intrusive treatment. The reason why the team and his doctors were hesitant is that the surgery has never been performed on a professional athlete before. Therefore, there are no guarantees that it won’t make things worse for him.
However, Adams guaranteed everyone that Eichel did not ask for a trade. Having Friedman report that Buffalo wants to move its star player and captain might mean they’ve given up on him. Or that he finally asked for a trade.
Why and Where Should The Sabres Trade Eichel
There are two simple reasons why Eichel should be moved: it appears to be his wish and now, it appears to be the team’s wish as well. Both are ready to say their farewells and move on from one another. But the biggest question is: where would he go?
His injury makes things more complicated. The Los Angeles Kings have reportedly dropped out of the ship due to that and there are probably others who will eventually do the same.
Friedman – No one will go on record and say it, but there are teams that agree with the #Sabres medical staff on Eichel's recovery plan, and there are teams that don't. #LetsGoBuffalo
— WGR 550 (@WGR550) June 10, 2021
Los Angeles was the biggest name involved in the trade rumours. With them being out, there are a few others who could use someone of Eichel’s calibre. However, another problem here is his $10 million AAV contract that will carry until the end of the 2025-26 season. Said contract also has a no-move clause starting in 2022-23. That makes the possible trade list a little shorter.
Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames have the space to take Eichel but it might cost them one of their stars. They would probably try to push centre Sean Monahan and/or winger Johnny Gaudreau. However, Adams should go after winger Matthew Tkachuk or centre Elias Lindholm. The Sabres GM should also ask for a prospect forward, like Connor Zary or Jakob Pelletier, and a pick.
Minnesota Wild
Another team that has been in the discussion is the Minnesota Wild. They have a few veterans that could be added to what will be a very young Sabres team like Marcus Foligno. The youngster Nico Sturm would also be a good addition to the team. With those two added to the package, Adams could also ask for a prospect like winger Matthew Boldy or centre Marco Rossi. Rossi has played with Sabres prospect Jack Quinn and would be a phenomenal addition to the Sabres.
There are more teams that could be included on this list like the Anaheim Ducks, New York Rangers and even the Kings. However, the only thing that is almost certain is that Eichel will be wearing a new jersey next season. Even though this Jack Eichel trade will likely not happen as fast as many think, it is almost inevitable at this point.
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