Report: The Jack Eichel saga is shifting with potential trade coming soon!

I never thought I would type these words, but we seem to be getting closer to a Jack Eichel trade. 

On Wednesday morning, TSN’s Darren Dreger reported that sources have told him that the Eichel saga may be shifting. 

“Ongoing discussions and additional access to Jack Eichel’s medical file has helped teams with trade interest clearly see his situation.  Both sides are hopeful something can be worked out soon with one of the clubs in the mix.”

Back in September, Eichel  failed his physical at the Buffalo Sabres’ training camp and was stripped of his captaincy. His trade and future remain uncertain all because the team and its franchise player remain at an impasse over surgery options. It has been mentioned that the forward is willing to go anywhere to facilitate a trade, but a huge issue remains when it come to his pending surgery. 

Eichel favors having artificial disk replacement surgery. The Sabres are against him having the procedure because it has never been performed on an NHL player. However, the Sabres’ way means that a patient could have three surgeries in 20 years.

This has been the major obstacle to get him traded out of Buffalo, however, now that interested teams have seen his medical file, it seems like they could be willing to move him first and allow him to get the surgery he seeks, who knows! 

Eichel switched agents last month and is now represented by Brisson, who can make tough moves when necessary. Eichel is under contract through 2025-26 with a $10-million cap hit and GM Kevyn Adams is believed to be asking for a hefty return in exchange for his captain: he is reportedly seeking and not budging from his demand of the equivalent of four first-round picks,  which could be anything from young, established roster players, A-level prospects, or actual first-round draft picks in the next two NHL drafts.

Not sure if the interested teams Dreger mentions above are willing to pay as much though… 

But you have to admit this is the most encouraging update in this saga ever since it started!