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January 28, 2021; Buffalo, New York, United States; Buffalo Sabers center Jack Eichel (9) shoots on goal as New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox (23) and defenseman Ryan Lindgren (55) defend in the second period at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
The Buffalo Sabers have lowered their asking price for injured superstar Jack Eichel. I noted that this was the case on June 28 based on limited but reliable information. At the time, teams that were rumored to be interested were quickly dropping out of the race, like the Kings and Blue Jackets.
Yesterday in Elliotte Friedman’s latest podcast, he noted that demand had indeed dropped.
Sabers drop Jack Eichel asking price
“I give Buffalo some credit on this. Buffalo has been very good lately at keeping secrets, ”Friedman said of their handling of a trade with Jack Eichel. “They don’t let anyone see Eichel’s doctor unless you’re legitimate.”
Access is only granted to teams making an offer.
“I’ve heard that Eichel’s price is high,” Friedman noted. “It’s not as high as it used to be, but it’s still high. And it’s young. Your best prospects and choices.
When news first broke that Eichel was in the block, it was rumored that the demand was in the form of four picks in the first round. Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports clarified.
“If they trade it, they want four plays that are first-round picks,” he said. “Or players who play if not in the NHL or elsewhere like the NCAA – who were first-round picks and who are successful and not wrestling. “
No sane team will give up four first-round picks for a player not called Connor McDavid. Remember, this is a negotiation and the seller is starting high, so this is no surprise. A source from the team I spoke with said no one would give Buffalo what he asked of Eichel. Who at the time was not injured.
The first crack in the Sabers’ armor
The question remains what does lowering mean here? For me, this is the first sign that the Sabers recognize that they can’t get what they want. The movement here is in the right direction for the buyer.
Let’s say it’s now 3 pieces instead of four. This should attract more teams to the table. However, if the Sabers aren’t prepared to eat some of that $ 10 million cap, they won’t get that return. Mainly because only a handful of teams can take the full shot. The Rangers and the Ducks being the two teams that stand out.
Rumors from Anaheim say they don’t want to part ways with Trevor Zegras. If so, the Rangers probably have the best deal. We know Alexis Lafrenière is off limits, but there are rumors that Kaapo Kakko could be part of the package. This should ONLY be the case if Buffalo eats a salary, maybe $ 2 million a year.
A fair deal would be Vitali Kravtsov, Zac Jones and the No. 15 pick in the draft. There could even be a conditional first-round pick in 2022 if Eichel appears in more than 50 games next season.
Does that move the needle for the Rangers?
The bottom line is that the Rangers are one of the teams in the mix. Anaheim is certainly another. Beyond them, maybe the Golden Knights are trying to figure it out, but they don’t have the strengths of NY and Anaheim, and they don’t have ceiling space.
Buffalo lowering the asking price has certainly moved the needle. Chris Drury and the Rangers will need it to move more.
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