In his year end exit interview, Jack Eichel admitted to a “disconnect” between he and the Sabres.
“There’s been a bit of a disconnect from the organization a bit and myself. It’s been tough at times. Right now, I think for me the most important thing is just trying to get healthy and figure out a way to be available to play hockey next year wherever that might be.”
The phrase “wherever that might be” obviously brings into question his immediate future with the club.
Sabres beat writer John Vogl says it’s hard to imagine the relationship being salvaged and that “[h]e’s as good as gone.”
Sean Gentille says the list of suitors goes “Rangers, then everyone else.” He notes the Rangers have a need at center, the assets a team like Buffalo would crave, and an apparently increasingly impatient owner. He suggests the Kings have the assets to swing a deal as well, but thinks the Rangers are the frontrunner. If the Sabres require a prominent center back, as Vogl suggests, the Kings may be better positioned than the Rangers.
