Buffalo Sabres superstar forward Jack Eichel is unhappy in Buffalo and after finishing close to the bottom of the standings for the past six seasons, Eichel has had enough and wants out of Buffalo. Despite the Sabres poor team play, Eichel has still managed to produce, scoring 355 points in 375 games with the Sabres. Now, the former 2nd overall pick in 2015 wants a fresh start on a new team and finally wants to win. With Eichel trade talks heating up, here are the five trade destinations for Jack Eichel.
Minnesota Wild
The Wild are in a tough spot right now because they have a talented roster, but aren’t at the same level as the true contenders. The Wild’s biggest need is a true #1 center to play with Kirill Kaprizov and Eichel is the perfect center to elevate them to the next level. Eichel fits the Wild’s timeline to compete and would make them a legitimate contender. The only problem trading Eichel to the Wild is that they might not be able to afford his $10 million contract.
Rangers receive: Jack Eichel
Sabres receive: Marco Rossi, Jordan Greenway, Matt Dumba, 2021 first round pick (16th overall), 2022 first round pick
New York Rangers
The Rangers are one of the youngest and brightest teams in the NHL right now but the biggest piece they are missing on their team is a #1 center. Eichel would be the perfect fit being only 24 years old and fitting the Rangers timeline. Eichel will slot in as the #1 center next to Alexis Lafreniere and Artemi Panarin. The only major problem with the Sabres trading Eichel to the Rangers is that the Sabres don’t want to trade Eichel within the conference.
Rangers receive: Jack Eichel
Sabres receive: Kaapo Kakko, Filip Chytil, Braden Schneider, 2021 first round pick (22nd overall), 2022 first round pick
Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks are in a full rebuild right now, but are expected to make a huge move in the offseason, making it a solid trade destination for Jack Eichel. That big move could be trading for Sabres superstar Eichel who the Ducks have been interested in for a while. The acquisition of Eichel could speed the Ducks rebuild and make them a playoff team in a year or two. The problem with the Ducks acquiring Eichel is that they might not want to give too many young assets to damage their rebuild
Ducks receive: Jack Eichel
Sabres receive: Maxime Comtois, Josh Mahura, Adam Henrique, Sam Steel, 2021 first round pick (3rd overall), 2021 second round pick (33rd overall)
Los Angeles Kings
The Kings have been the top destination for Eichel for a while but trade talks between the Kings and Sabres have cooled down due to the asking price. The Kings have arguably the brightest future in the NHL, and getting Eichel could make their future even better. But getting Eichel could also damage the Kings prospect pool by having to trade away many solid prospects in order to get Eichel. However, the Kings could be able to make the Sabres a solid offer without damaging their future.
Kings receive: Jack Eichel
Sabres receive: Alex Turcotte, Rasmus Kupari, Tobias Bjornfot, 2021 first round pick (8th overall)
Columbus Blue Jackets
After a very disappointing season, the Blue Jackets want to make some changes to restructure their team. The Blue Jackets are looking to fill their main needs of a first line center with Jack Eichel. Eichel could help Patrik Laine greatly rebound after his poor season. The big problem with trading Eichel to the Blue Jackets is that the trade could backfire on the Blue Jackets and could ruin their future.
Blue Jackets receive: Jack Eichel
Sabres receive: Max Domi, Alexandre Texier, Elvis Merzlikins, 2021 first round pick (5th overall), 2022 first round pick
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