Buffalo Sabres center Jack Eichel (9) has yet to be part of a playoff team. Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Are Sabres shopping captain Jack Eichel?

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 9/28/20

Many teams have reportedly checked in on Buffalo Sabres captain Jack Eichel's availability this offseason.

While it's known that Eichel is sick of losing in Buffalo, TSN's Bob McKenzie reports that he is willing to remain with the Sabres and continue working toward achieving the ultimate goal — though that hasn't stopped teams from inquiring about him.

“I hear that (trade talk) a lot,” Eichel’s agent Peter Fish said. “Jack wants to win, he’s frustrated (not winning) but, no, he doesn’t want out. Jack is preparing to head to Buffalo at some point here and prepare for the season, whenever that may be. That’s all he controls.”
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) September 28, 2020

None of those talks with other clubs resulted in Eichel trade traction. But it’s also believed there has been dialogue between Eichel and BUF to ensure they both want the same thing (to get better obviously) and share the same timetable (sooner rather than later).
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) September 28, 2020

Eichel was selected second overall by Buffalo in 2015. The team hasn't made the playoffs despite five consecutive seasons of Eichel scoring 54-plus points.

The 23-year-old could help plenty of teams in search of the Stanley Cup, including the Boston Bruins, who have recently been linked to Taylor Hall. Boston has always been heavily linked to Eichel, though the team isn't willing to give up any large assets to acquire him. It's worth wondering whether or not the B's were among the teams to check in on the Massachusetts native.

At this point, Eichel probably won't be traded before the 2020-21 campaign, if at all. However, it's certainly interesting to wonder about the possibility he gets dealt by the trade deadline.

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