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Sabres news: Could a Jack Eichel to the Kraken trade be realistic?

By Jacob LeBlanc

Feb 28, 2021; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Jack Eichel (9) on the ice for warmups before a game against the Philadelphia Flyers at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2021; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Jack Eichel (9) on the ice for warmups before a game against the Philadelphia Flyers at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
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This one could be interesting for both teams. A potential trade of this magnitude would be a significant move for an expansion team to make going into their first season. As of right now, the Seattle Kraken don’t even have a roster as the 2021 NHL Expansion Draft is set for July 21st. Is there any way they could swing a trade for Jack Eichel from the Buffalo Sabres?

If this trade were ever to happen, two things would need to be certain. The first being that the Sabres would need to be okay with taking a lot of draft picks in exchange for Eichel. The Kraken’s expansion draft is set for two days before the 2021 NHL Draft is scheduled to begin. So unless they can work a deal in that small window of time between the expansion draft and entry draft, the Kraken would only be able to offer draft picks.

Usually, you would think that having first-round picks for a new franchise would be extremely beneficial as they should have a good chance of being high picks. But if you look at the most recent example of an expansion team in the NHL, the Vegas Golden Knights, that is not always the case. Vegas has consistently been one of the best teams in the NHL since they were formed in 2017.

The second thing that would need to happen would be that the Kraken would need to give up their first-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, which is the second overall pick. I am sure if they were to make an offer for Eichel, they would include this pick. It would be silly for Buffalo to make this trade with Seattle if they did not offer the second overall pick.

Having the first and second overall pick would obviously be huge for the rebuilding Sabres. Could Buffalo going into the draft knowing they can take the top two players on their draft board be enough to sway them to make this trade? Coming out of the draft with someone like William Eklund or Matthew Beniers to go along with Owen Power would be an excellent haul for Buffalo.

Next. Power says it would be an “honor” to play for Buffalo. dark

Eichel to the Kraken is a crazy idea that might just work. They would need to offer much more than just this year’s first-round pick. But if the Sabres could have the first two overall picks this year, plus multiple Seattle picks in future drafts, would that be enough for you to send Eichel out west?

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