Buffalo Sabres

Rangers Could Be Big Players for Jack Eichel

If Jack Eichel does become available out of Buffalo, expect the New York Rangers to take a serious look at acquiring him.

by
NHL Trade Talk
February 19, 2021

We discussed yesterday comments from Elliotte Friedman on the The Instigators on WGR550 that noted Jack Eichel could be a player to watch. Other teams believe he’s grown restless with the Sabres struggles and while Buffalo may have talked themselves out of a deal in the past, they could be convinced this year to make a move.

Insider says Buffalo turned down Jack Eichel trade last, could be convinced this season#Sabres https://t.co/vitKCbOs9E
— NHL Trade Talk (@nhl_tradetalk) February 18, 2021

Among the teams rumored to be keenly interested if Eichel does shake loose are the New York Rangers. Friedman noted the Rangers and the Los Angeles Kings, but John Vogl of The Athletic went into more detail about a possible move by the Rangers. He said, “The Big Apple loves its Broadway stars, and Eichel would fit the bill.”

Do the Rangers Have the Assets?

Part of the issue in trading for Eichel is in trying to value what he’s worth. On the surface, this is a star player in the NHL that any other team might be considered one of the best pivots in the game. At the same time, he’s a bit overshadowed by his $10 million salary and being the face of a losing record in Buffalo.

Things like that have never really stopped the Rangers before. Vogl suggests the Rangers have the cap space and assets to create a blockbuster deal involving the allegedly disgruntled center.

He writes:

New York’s payroll is just 27^th in the league and more than $5.4 million under the limit, according to CapFriendly. There are no unrestricted free agents to re-sign and the restricted free agents won’t break the bank.

He adds that his colleague Scott Wheeler had ranked the Rangers as the second-best team NHL franchise behind the Kings.

Is giving up a huge haul worth it for a really good player that may or may not live up to his salary over the next five seasons? Some would argue yes and without much hesitation. Others would say he’s not much more than a point-per-game player and while that’s good, is it worth sending a huge cast of prospects and picks back the other way?

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