May 12: Two days later, GM Adams spoke with the media and confirmed that Eichel’s camp requested a surgery–which Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet identified as cervical disk replacement–but that the Sabres doctors are not comfortable with it because it has never been done on an NHL player. Adams also explained that Eichel has not asked for a trade, though admitted that some players told him in their exit interviews that they would be “open to anything” when asked if they want to be a part of the Sabres’ future.
May 10: After a few explosive media availabilities with Rasmus Ristolainen, Sam Reinhart, and others this morning, Buffalo Sabres captain Jack Eichel poured some gas on the offseason hot stove. The star forward not only left open the idea of a trade, but suggested to reporters including John Vogl of The Athletic that he and the Sabres cannot agree on the best way to treat his neck injury. Eichel suffered a herniated disk and explained that it’s not only up to him on whether to have surgery:
It doesn’t work like that. I wish. …I’m under contract with this team and they definitely hold a lot of cards on what I can and can’t do.
Eichel, 24, played just 21 games this season, scoring two goals and 18 points. It was by far the most disappointing season he has had from a production standpoint, but the outcome for the Sabres—finishing last—has become far too familiar. Despite Eichel’s strong offense throughout the early part of his career, he is now six seasons in without suiting up for a single playoff game.
Though there will be teams interested in acquiring Eichel, a trade involving a player like him is not easy. He has five more years under contract and carries a $10MM cap hit, tied for the 11th-highest number in the NHL. If he is also going to get surgery on his neck at some point, that makes a trade all the riskier for any acquiring team.
The New York Rangers and Los Angeles Kings have been listed as the most likely candidates in the past, given how many young assets they have gathered over the last few years. Serious interest has never been confirmed though and there are likely to be other teams that get involved if Eichel is put on the market.
An Eichel trade has been the story for the last several offseasons in Buffalo, but after the disastrous 2021-22 campaign, seems more likely than ever to actually come to fruition. Now it’s up to GM Kevyn Adams to somehow navigate the minefield of an unhappy franchise icon, hire a full-time coach, and somehow put the Sabres back on the right track.
Welcome to the Rangers
Hope the Kings pass on him. Really depends on the asking price. Last I read, the asking price was way too high.
What asking price? The team has pretty consistently rebuffed inquiries before. Anything bandied about the internet was pure speculation.
Last I heard it was 4 first round picks. He has a high cap hit, has never played a playoff game, and is injury prone. probably worth a high end prospect and a pick or a mid tier prospect. Who knows if he fully recovers from his neck injury too.
A analysis was written about his neck & the surgery. He isnt the first player to have this type of injury & according to the write up his odds of recovery with no Ill affects is very high. The Sabres in my mind should be open to trading him but they should not rush the trade & should be patient in what they get in return. Any trade of Eichel should help them in the long term with the assets they receive.
I have not seen 4 first round picks anywhere I saw 2, a nhler with upside and a top prospect. Anyone other than byfield should be available.
Likely package
2 first either (this year plus 1 or next 2)
Trucotte/madden
Vilardi
I saw the four 1st rounders also. On a couple different occasions from different sources. But it wasn’t meant specifically as picks. It was a combo of picks and recent 1st round selections, totalling 4
It is not critical for the Sabres to trade him this offseason; if they do decide to trade him. The team holds the cards until his NMC kicks in, which isn’t until July 1, 2022.
The comments make it more likely that they decide to peddle him. That’s ‘cause that’s the way the Pegulas roll.
The most critical decision for this franchise is who will hold the position of Pres. of Hockey Operations. As long as they maintain the status quo, they’ll be spinning wheels and wasting young talent.
John Davidson
The return for a guy requiring neck surgery will obviously go downward, so it’s probably best for Buffalo to hold out until next season and hope Eichel is healthy and productive again.
The Sabres will want to trade him before his no-movement clause kicks in after next season. They keep leverage that way. However, the neck injury complicates things. They could keep him for the start of the season & move him at the trade deadline, but that’s difficult because of Eichel’s contract is so big & team’s will have a hard time fitting his contract in season. It’s a complicated situation all around
with his neck injury and how much hockey players get bounced around in a game i would be very wary trading for him especially at 10mil a year.