Eichel and Sabres: “The trust is shattered”

If you're a Buffalo Sabres fan, I wouldn't go investing in Jack Eichel merchandise this offseason.

Eichel, the Sabres' captain, finally met with the media today to close out the Sabres season and you didn't exactly have to read between the lines to see that the 24 year old is seeking a change of scenery. It's been a rough go for Eichel in Buffalo almost since the start of his career and if this season showed us anything it's that the Sabres are still a long, looooong ways away from contending. With time ticking on Eichel's prime years, you can hardly blame him for being fed up.

I mean... just check out some of these quotes:

Jack Eichel says the herniated disk in his neck may still require surgery. He's been learning as much as he can about the injury.
— John Vogl (@BuffaloVogl) May 10, 2021

Jack Eichel says there has been a disconnect between him and the Sabres regarding his injury. He said he'd be lying if he said things went smoothly.

He says his main goal is to be ready to play next season ... WHEREVER THAT MAY BE.
— John Vogl (@BuffaloVogl) May 10, 2021

Jack Eichel: “I’ve been a bit upset about the ways things have been handled since I’ve been hurt. There’s been a bit of a disconnect between myself and the organization. The most important thing now is to get healthy and be ready to play hockey next year, wherever that might be.”
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) May 10, 2021

Yikes... the team meddling in the medical decisions of a superstar player? Shades of Eric Lindros, anyone? It certainly sounds like a similar situation.

From John Vogl of The Athletic:

Buffalo will need a new captain. The bridge between Eichel and the Sabres is engulfed in flames, and it's hard to imagine it'll be salvaged. Eichel has been a fitness freak since his teen years, and he's furious the team is telling him what he can and can't do with his body. The trust is shattered. And that's just one angle. Add in six seasons without even a sniff of the playoffs and Eichel is clearly ready to move on. He's as good as gone.

Then there's this:

Jack Eichel: "I have a lot of thinking to do in this offseason. I think that there's a lot that I have to consider. But for now, obviously, I'm here." https://t.co/QE7sPn4LZu
— John Vogl (@BuffaloVogl) May 10, 2021

He's history, right? It's clear to me that he's sick of being jerked around. He's sick of the directionless approach the team takes. He's sick of it all. And frankly, after six wasted seasons who can blame him?

Jack Eichel essentially says the Sabres wouldn't let him have surgery on his herniated disk in his neck.

His body, his choice?

"It doesn't work like that. I wish. ... I'm under contract with this team and they definitely hold a lot of cards on what I can and can't do."
— John Vogl (@BuffaloVogl) May 10, 2021

Jack Eichel on him and the Sabres: "I've got to do what's best for me and they've got to do what's best for them. ... There's a lot to process. ... I'm sure these conversations will be had and things will go from there." pic.twitter.com/txopjhGS49
— John Vogl (@BuffaloVogl) May 10, 2021

Yep... he's history.