Blackhawks Have Expressed Trade Interest in Jack Eichel

More and more teams seem to be coming forward when it comes to clubs that might be looking to make a play for NHL star Jack Eichel. The disgruntled center of the Buffalo Sabres is likely to be traded in a matter of days and teams like the Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets and others have been linked to possible trade pitches. Add one more team to the mix.

Larry Brooks of the New York Post reports that the Chicago Blackhawks are the latest club to throw their hat into the ring and have communicated their desire to potentially acquire the 24-year-old top-line pivot. Part of the need for the Blackhawks could surround the uncertain future of Jonathan Toews, who missed all of this past season with health issues. It’s not clear if he will return for 2021-22.  If he doesn’t, the Blackhawks don’t have a viable top-six center.

Related: Blackhawks Trying to Trade Forward Dylan Strome [Report]

The team has some players bubbling up as Pius Suter and Philipp Kurashev should eventually work their way into bigger roles but they aren’t ready for top-line responsibility. Kirby Dach is the closest thing the Blackhawks have, but he missed most of the year with a wrist injury he suffered as part of the World Juniors team. Dylan Strome has been too inconsistent to be relied upon in that role and there are recent rumors the Blackhawks are trying to trade him before the NHL Expansion Draft.

Eichel makes a lot of sense for Chicago and would be a great fit with Patrick Kane. That said, the cost of having two $10 million players, plus potentially one more if Toews returns is troubling.

Brooks does note that the Blackhawks aren’t just in on Eichel. They are going big-game hunting this season and there’s talk they’ve kicked tires on a couple of high-end defensemen. Brooks writes:

“They are also believed to be interested in Seth Jones, the Blue Jackets’ latest would-be asylum-seeker. A deal for the defenseman would also have to feature Dach. Alternatively, Chicago is expected to investigate signing impending free agent Dougie Hamilton, who may leave the Candy Canes to take his talents to the Kraken.”

What Would the Sabres Get in the Deal?

Ideally, the Blackhawks would move money in the form of another player, while also having to give up their first-round pick in this year’s NHL draft (No. 11 overall). Don’t be surprised if the Sabres ask for Dach to come with that pick. A combination of Dach and the 11th pick in the draft might be a package the Sabres would consider.

The Sabres would also get a bit of peace of mind in the deal by sending Eichel to a team in the Western Conference.

Next: Hamilton to Maple Leafs Talk Heating Up, Morgan Rielly Out?