Rumour: Eichel courted by one team as extended conversations have begun with Sabres

At the end of the Buffalo Sabres’ season last week, Jack Eichel met with media and appeared to hint more than once at a much-needed change of scenery for the future. 

The forward, who’s under contract through 2025-26 with a $10-million cap hit, intends to mull over his future this summer. And it sounds like one team has already contacted the Sabres to make a deal to acquire Eichel. 

According to Jimmy Murphy of Boston Hockey Now, an NHL source claims that the Arizona Coyotes are interested in acquiring Eichel. The source revealed that Coyotes GM Bill Armstrong has had extended conversations with Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams over what it would cost to land Eichel.

The source informed Murphy the Coyotes have the type of young players to interest the Sabres. Arizona would also fulfill the Sabres’ wish to ship Eichel out west.

Eichel played his last game of the campaign for the league-worst Sabres on March 7 before being ruled out for the remainder due to his neck injury.  We found out how upset the forward was with the team’s decision not to undergo surgery on the herniated disc in his neck. 

It just feels like Eichel, who has served as Sabres captain since 2018-19 and has spent his entire six-year career with Buffalo, will be wearing a different uniform next season. 

Will it be the Coyotes’?