Eichel Upset With Sabres, Belief He Wants Team to Trade Him

As per a report by multiple sources, including Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, things are not alright when it comes to the relationship between the Buffalo Sabres and star center Jack Eichel. While it’s not confirmed a trade has been requested, buzz is that Eichel has spoken with general manager Kevyn Adams and let him know that he’s unhappy, potentially having suggested that he’d like to be moved.

Friedman notes, “Jack Eichel admits he’s “upset” about the way things have been handled since his injury. Says there’s “been a bit of a disconnect” between him and the Sabres.” Many believe it has to do with the Sabres not being forthcoming on the best course of action when it came to Eichel’s neck injury and that perhaps they have been steering him away from surgery. He added, “The most important thing now is to get healthy and be ready to play hockey next year, wherever that might be.”

Eichel would not discuss if he's asked for a trade, accepted that he didn't play as well as he wanted to and added he has a lot of thinking to do.

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) May 10, 2021

Related: New York Rangers Ready to Revisit Eichel Trade Talks

The NHL insider went on to say that, when asked if Eichel has asked the club to trade him, he wouldn’t confirm or deny that he’s done so. All Eichel would say is that hes’ “accepted that he didn’t play as well as he wanted to and added he has a lot of thinking to do.” He noted that he needed to start looking out for himself and make his happiness and playing career a priority.

This comes after news that defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen told media that he too has told management he’s open to being moved. Frustrated with losing, Ristolainen isn’t in the same boat as Eichel where he feels he’s been mistreated by the organization, but he does want a chance to win after having played seven season and never made the playoffs.

For Eichel, this sounds a lot like he’s tired, frustrated, feels like he’s not been told the truth and is finally looking for a chance to do something worthwhile in his NHL career. He’s been part of an everlasting sink hole in Buffalo and he’s probably seen the quick success of a player like Taylor Hall after leaving the Sabres and wondered how much better things could be if he was elsewhere.

A Trade Won’t Be Easy

While Eichel is one of the top centers in the NHL, moving him will not be easy. The Sabres have to ensure they get a massive return if they’re to trade him and there won’t be a lot of teams who can afford a $10 million player who has multiple seasons remaining on his deal, but also has an injury history. Eichel says the herniated disk in his neck may still require surgery. He’s been learning as much as he can about the injury.

The New York Rangers are rumored to be among the team who have made a pitch in the past and would do so again, but the key for Buffalo is having multiple teams make a play for Eichel so they can leverage his value. Could franchises like the Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks, Detroit Red Wings and Nashville Predators get involved, it changes the outlook on what the Sabres might fetch in any return.

In order to avoid bumping into issues with Eichel’s no-trade protection clause, the Sabres would need to trade him before the 2022-23 season. 

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