It was clear that teams are calling the Buffalo Sabres about captain Jack Eichel, but Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic writes that conversations are getting “more intense and serious” even though the playoffs are still going on. LeBrun lists the Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers as teams that make sense, though doesn’t suggest who has reached out at this point.
In return, the Sabres appear to be focused on receiving a top draft pick in this year’s class. LeBrun mentions that a 2021 first-round pick will be in any package, while Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet wrote that if Eichel or teammate Sam Reinhart are to be traded, “do not be surprised if the Sabres end up with a second high first-round selection.” The team already has first overall, but could be walking to the (virtual) podium twice if they get their way.
- One other player who may surprisingly be on the market is Zach Hyman, the Toronto Maple Leafs forward that has long been expected to re-sign with his hometown team. Not so fast, as James Mirtle of The Athletic writes that no progress has been made to this point and that it “feels downright unlikely” that an extension will be signed. Hyman very well could have played too well for the Maple Leafs, making his value more than the team will be able to afford in a flat cap world. The 29-year-old winger scored 15 goals and 33 points in 43 regular season games this year, but did suffer another knee injury and looked less than full-strength in the playoffs. Hyman’s gritty play style is one that almost every team in the league would covet, especially if he can continue to produce 20-goal seasons moving forward.
- Jordan Schmaltz is on his way to Europe, signing a one-year deal with HIFK in Finland. The 25th overall pick in 2012, Schmaltz has only played 42 NHL games to this point and is now 27. After bouncing around in the minor leagues the last few seasons, it appears as though he’ll try his hand at a new brand of hockey overseas.
It’s easy to say how Hyman would make any line better. The reality is, he performed well playing with Marner and Matthews for a significant part of his time in Toronto. If he wants more than 4.5 million/year then he can go elsewhere to get it.
Would love to see Stevie Y swing a deal to add either Eichel or Hyman to the Red Wings.
Pass on both, makes no sense from a wings pov
Absolutely not. Wouldn’t be a smart move from Stevie. Sure both are great but one, we already have a coach, and for two Hyman isn’t in stevies age range.
Actually hyman is ken Holland type contract if I’ve ever seen one
Shouldn’t the Sabres be asking for a 2022 first rounder? Much better players at the top of that class. A well run organization would know that.
The other well-run organization wouldn’t give that up.
If a team gets Eichel, you would think they wouldn’t be at the top of the 2022 draft
Your reply is way better than mine. Thumbs up.
Why would you think that? The Sabres have had Eichel for awhile and has any team had more lottery balls than them during that time?
He’s very talented so if his attitude changes, he CAN be a great player who helps his team actually win instead of just piling up points on the PP and in garbage time. Until then…
I expect whichever team acquires Eichel to under perform, miss the playoffs and pick high in the draft most years.
Question: How many years was Mario Lemieux in the league before the Penguins made the playoffs (and this was back when only 5 teams missed the playoffs)? Answer is, it was during his 5th season. And you know what people questioned about Mario prior to that (and really, prior to the Pens winning their first Cup in 1991)? Answer is, his heart.
If a team builds around a player like Eichel, they will have good success going forward.
Many (most) young players mature. Some, like Matt Duchene, never do. Eichel may or may not.
The point is that we have a strong evidence pattern that having Jack Eichel on your roster does NOT prevent you from picking high in the draft. Evidence shows the opposite.
How can you blame Eichel for that? He’s one player on a terrible team. Blame Carter Hutton or the other trash they’ve played over the past few years
one thing i would be weary of with an eichel trade is his neck, iirc he has a bad disc in his neck. not doubting his ability or heart, but playing a physical sport like hockey with with a possible weak neck and high cap hit imo going to be tough sell getting a kings ransom. then again there is always one team every year in sports that goes “hold my beer and watch this”.