The Buffalo Sabres have nearly lapped the Vegas Golden Knights in the Jack Eichel trade and everyone in the NHL universe knows it.
The Buffalo Sabres scored a high grade for at least early returns regarding the Jack Eichel Trade in a move the NHL universe highly criticized. In hindsight, the Eichel trade was a resounding success for the Sabres and nothing but heartache for the Vegas Golden Knights.
Since trading Eichel, the Sabres found two incredible puzzle pieces in Alex Tuch and Peyton Krebs. And while he wasn’t my personal favorite, Noah Ostlund has also impressed in development camp and in HockeyAllsvensken preseason – Sweden’s second-tier pro league.
Here is one direct quote from an article written in a reaction article regarding the Jack Eichel trade:
"“The Buffalo Sabres have taken mismanagement to new heights and the Toronto Maple Leafs should take note.” – James Tanner via Editor in Leaf."
The Buffalo Sabres success in the Jack Eichel trade is one reason critics should not rush to judgment regarding the Tage Thompson deal
While the trade appeared to be counterintuitive at the time, it was a genius, and not an example of mismanagement, move by general manager Kevyn Adams. The Thompson deal has potential to be a similar move.
And while I can see why there has been criticism on the Thompson front, since he enjoyed just one good season after riding the Bust Label for years, logistically, it made sense. Thompson played on the Sabres first line alongside Jeff Skinner, Alex Tuch, and occasionally Victor Olofsson.
Mainly, it was Tuch and Skinner, both of whom are slated to remain in Buffalo until at least 2025-26. Many have criticized and still criticize the Skinner deal, but a rebound last season means the jury is still out on Skinner.
This time next season, Thompson can revert into his former self and Skinner can become the fringe forward he was between October 2019 and April 2021. But as the Jack Eichel Trade has shown, rushing to criticize this one is a rather reckless endeavor.
In the end, Vegas ended up making Adams look like a genius who found two and potentially three more pieces to add to his growing core. Vegas found themselves in cap trouble and funnily enough, Vegas fans are pointing fingers at the ex-Sabre.
If Thompson’s new contract pays off, Adams will once again get the last laugh. And his critics will once again be left with trying to make sense on his counterintuitive nature.
Article Source: Hamilton: Jack Eichel trade return is still looking good by Paul Hamilton
Article Source: Eichel Trade Shows Toronto Maple Leafs Should Never Trade Marner by James Tanner