Important Eichel update to impact monster trade

There is finally an update on the standoff between the Buffalo Sabres and captain Jack Eichel over treatment to repair a herniated disc in his neck. 

TSN 1200’s Shawn Simpson revealed on Tuesday that the veteran forward “could have surgery very soon, and December would be the earliest return.”

We know how serious Eichel is about getting shipped out of Buffalo as he recently hired agent Pat Brisson to make things happen. With Brisson coming in, the Montreal Canadiens have become a rumoured destination for Eichel, while the Boston Bruins were among several teams keeping tabs on the situation. 

With the whole Jesperi Kotkaniemi offer sheet saga, the Canadiens could become front-runners for Eichel: the Habs would get the Carolina Hurricanes’ first- and third-round picks in next year’s draft if they don’t match Kotkaniemi’s offer sheet, and could offer up two first-round picks and a prospect would bring Eichel to Montreal. 

However, as Simpson and others point out, the Sabres are still seeking a pricey return and could demand some high-end prospects. 

Eichel is under contract through 2025-26 with a $10-million cap hit. And we still have no clue where he will play next season.