The Anaheim Ducks have been one of the teams longest attached to acquiring Jack Eichel. Up until now, the Sabres asking price from Anaheim likely included Trever Zegras and/or Jamie Drysdale. It is believed the ask has come down.
No trade appears imminent, which is largely due to the uncertainty of Eichel’s health. While there were reports at the beginning of the month that a deal was close, things are dead quiet again.
Currently, Eichel’s camp is visiting with doctors and gathering medical evidence to give to the Sabres in order for him to get an artificial disc replacement.
NHL Rumors: Ducks top Eichel landing spot
Eventually a trade will happen. The best bet is to let Jack have his preferred surgery and come back healthy to play.
Once that takes place, teams will be more willing to acquire him. And if the timetable lines up right, it could be near the trade deadline making it easier for cap strapped teams to fit him in. Still, it will come down to assets and the Ducks continue to come out on top.
Erik Duhatschek of The Athletic recently mused:
In terms of player compensation, you will need to step up. Now, my understanding is the asking price on Eichel is dropping — still high, but not completely unworkable. So, if you’re Anaheim, and you’ve ruled out parting with Zegras and Drysdale, would you offer up Mason McTavish and next year’s first-rounder? Now, that’s something to chew on.
Now don’t get overly excited Ducks’ fans because it could take more. Another piece that Anaheim can add is Max Comtois, who was recently scratched.
Since he was named a healthy scratch speculation has run wild that he’s on the block. The 22 year-old has no points in 4 games this season and is a -5. A 2nd round pick from the 2017 Draft, he has 51 points in 98 career games.
Kraken on the radar for an outdoor game
The Seattle Kraken are already a smashing success for the NHL. Stores can’t keep enough Kraken jerseys in stock to satisfy hockey fans’ desire to own a piece of history. Plus, those jersey colors and slick logo are straight up fire.
Gary Bettman recently said that Seattle is “on the radar” for an outdoor game. It would not surprise me if they got one next season. Like they say, strike when the iron is hot.
On Saturday night, the Kraken will make more history by playing their first game at Climate Pledge Arena.
“I think all the guys are really jacked up about it,” Kraken defenseman Jamie Oleksiak said. “I think it’s been a lot of anticipation and not many guys really got a chance to see the rink. I think everyone is excited to get in there and feel the atmosphere. We know how excited the city is, so we’re excited to finally get a chance to play in front of everybody.”
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