Count the Boston Bruins as one of the destinations Jack Eichel would be open to going to if the Buffalo Sabres can ever get around to actually trading the star center. Chatter that Eichel would be on the move has been going on for months, ever since a falling out between he and the Buffalo Sabres probably sealed his fate and saw him play his last game in a Sabres uniform. It’s not clear where he’ll wind up as many teams have been rumored as in and out of the running, but Boston makes a lot of sense.
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During a recent interview with Sara Underwood of Boston 25 News, Eichel was asked if he could ever see himself playing for his hometown team. “Yeah, I mean, I think every kid grows up dreaming of playing for their hometown teams,” Eichel said. He added, “Whether that happens now, later in my career … whenever, who knows, if it ever happens. It would be pretty cool, but who knows what’s gonna happen here in the next little bit.”
Eichel knows he’s going to be traded. But, because his no-trade clause won’t kick in until next summer, he’s got little say as to where he winds up. It’s just a matter of what teams aren’t concerned about his injury and the fact he wants to get a largely-untested surgery, and what teams have the room to fit his $10 million contract into their current payroll.
Honestly, that’s not a lot of teams. That’s probably why TSN’s Darren Dreger said on WGR in Buffalo that the Sabres will likely have to lower the Eichel asking price.
Bruins Aren’t Rolling in the Extra Dollars
Among the franchises that don’t have unlimited dollars to spend are the Bruins. They’re $51 million committed already to 16 roster players. They’re looking at re-signing deals with David Krejci, Taylor Hall and Tuukka Rask. That will add up quickly.
And, while the Bruins might be interested in Eichel – there has been talk about a massive shift because of the age of some of their veteran centers — this season might not be the offseason Boston makes those huge changes. Can Eichel come in and add to the existing team? Probably not unless the Sabres retain salary and it’s hard to imagine they want to do that.
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