Sabres news: Eichel trade could be closer than we think
There was a time that it seemed like a Jack Eichel trade was going to 100% happen before the Buffalo Sabres were even close to training camp and the preseason. Then as time went on, it seemed that an Eichel trade before the season was less and less likely with each passing day.
With access to Eichel’s medical files growing, teams that are interested in trading for the former captain of the Sabres are beginning to resurface. With interest in Eichel starting to rise once again, the Sabres and Eichel’s camp seem hopeful that a deal can be done to please both sides this time around.
Sources say the Eichel saga may be shifting. Ongoing discussions and additional access to Jack Eichel’s medical file has helped teams with trade interest clearly see his situation. Both sides are hopeful something can be worked out soon with one of the clubs in the mix.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) October 6, 2021
If you have not been paying attention to this entire Jack vs the Sabres saga (which is pretty much impossible), the biggest issue was the disagreement on how Eichel should go about recovery from his neck injury. Eichel wants to get surgery, and the Sabres hoped to avoid this as his injury would require a surgery that no NHL player has ever had before. But there may be some teams that are willing to allow Eichel to get the treatment that he wants to receive.
“No one will go on record, but there is a growing belief there are teams willing to accept Eichel’s preferred disc replacement.” #Sabres https://t.co/v9I20iiQHX
— The Charging Buffalo (@TheChargingBUF) October 6, 2021
If Eichel gets traded and receives surgery, he is going to miss a lot of time before he is ready to be back. But it seems like teams are okay with this. At only 24 years old, Jack has plenty of time left in the league, so a team can afford to wait a bit for him to be healthy enough to come back.
Next. The Sabres opening night roster is starting to take shape. dark
Kevyn Adams has shown that he is not going to take less than he thinks Eichel is worth in a trade, which may be the reason why he has not made a trade yet. But if the Sabres do make a move, expect them to get a very hefty return that includes promising young players and draft picks.