The Buffalo Sabres have not had a good season. The trade smoke began to pour out of the windows KeyBank Center almost immediately, with many fans focused on Jack Eichel and if he would eventually demand out. The young star hasn’t even sniffed the playoffs since entering the league, but according to Sabres GM Kevyn Adams has not requested a trade at this point.
Even if it’s not Eichel on the move, the Sabres appear to be preparing for a busy few months. Elliotte Friedman reported on Saturday Headlines that Buffalo is “wide open” for business and that they are listening on everyone. The insider specifically mentioned Sam Reinhart, but noted that nothing is off the table:
…they are listening on all options. I think there is a number of things that people think they may do or may not do. I’ve heard there have been a lot of questions asked about Sam Reinhart. I’ve heard there have been questions asked about Eric Staal in addition to some of the other names that you would expect. Nashville is out there, Detroit is out there, but Buffalo is the team that is definitely out there and again, the word is they are listening to any possibilities.
Four different Sabres players were listed on The Athletic’s recent Trade Deadline Big Board: Eichel, Brandon Montour, Casey Mittelstadt and Taylor Hall. Of that group, only Hall has any trade protection in his contract. The former Hart Trophy winner signed a one-year deal with Buffalo this offseason that included a full no-movement clause so that he could control his destination. Though he was excited about the idea of playing beside Eichel, Hall has just two goals and 13 points so far this season and was blanked again today in the team’s latest loss.
Hall, Staal and Montour represent the best of the pending unrestricted free agents on the squad, though perhaps lesser names like Tobias Rieder could also be of some interest at the deadline. It might not be just the conventional sell off for a team like Buffalo though, who need to somehow find a way to completely flip the culture and get some excitement back into the rink.
Just over a month remains before the 2021 trade deadline, but it doesn’t really matter at this point. The Sabres are now 6-13-3 and look completely outmatched in the East Division. The playoffs aren’t a realistic outcome and the earlier they trade an expiring asset, the more they might get back.
The Rangers are all over Jack Eichel if he pushes for a trade
@Al Hirschen – Only because he and Coach Quinn speak the same language – Bostonian! ;)
If Rangers want Eichel, I would take one of the young goalie that include in a trade
Oh my god not one of the young goalies! Think it also takes one of the young guns too. Say Gorgeiv, Kako and a 1st
In a stunning press release from Pegula Central: Jack Eichel reports Kevyn Adams IS asking to be traded. Just not to Arizona…
Adams has been barred from ever giving a press conference after this week’s “Unacceptable performance”. Surprisingly he has more damage to do before his term is over. Look for poor trades and a coach replacement guaranteed to make us cry “Ralph”
Hall is mediocre.
Eichel and Middelstadt to Philly for Farabee,Patrick and Provorov possibly a 2nd round as well…I can Rangers in mix but will not want to part ways with their youth..I would ask for Zibanejad or Fox….
Zib is up for contract after next year and not having a good year. I doubt he’d be in a deal unless they have another deal for him.
I’m thinking all this will be of something no one expects. Not Eichel, dahlin, hall, skinner, Risto, etc. I’m betting it’s more like reinhart being moved. He still isn’t signed long term and moving him would send a shock to Eichel and others to try and light a spark on the team. If adams isn’t blown away for an offer for hall, Staal, Risto, etc they’re not moving them. Next season will lead to another coaching change and roster shake up in hopes of righting the ship. Unless we get an actual goalie that’ll stay healthy, it’ll lead to the same mediocre bs next year as well.
Doubt Buffalo would trade Eichel to NYR, LAK makes much more sense.
Turcotte, Kempe + 1st ?