Asking Price For Jack Eichel “Just Crazy” Says NHL Executive

Even if the injury situation surrounding Jack Eichel isn’t sacring teams away from inquiring about the forward as a possible trade option, many of those teams might find themselves bowing out of the talks rather quickly if a recent report about the Sabres’ asking price is accurate. Apparently, rival NHL executives are questioning what Sabres GM Kevyn Adams is thinking because the ask is massive.

In this week’s ‘Off The Record,’ one NHL executive, who apparently has knowledge of what the Sabres are looking for, threw shade at Adams, suggesting what the Sabres want is ‘just crazy!’ Considering there are big questions about Eichel’s injury status, there is talk that the Sabres are looking for as many as six different pieces as part of any deal.

Those components include a top-six center 25-year-old or younger, a top-four defenseman 25-or-young, a first-round pick and various prospects. The astronomical ask has teams backing off and thinking Adams has misread the market on what other GMs are willing to pay for a player who is elite, but also banged up.

The executive said:

“I get that Kevyn is in a really tough spot and needs to make sure he can get as close to Jack’s worth as possible, but this is just crazy. … In this market and with so many teams trying to build from within because of the cap, how is he going to get that? Then, you don’t even know how Jack’s back will hold up.”

The Chicago Blackhawks were rumored to be in the running and could have offered Kirby Dach and the 11th pick in this year’s draft. Anaheim might be in the mix, offering the third-overall pick and Trevor Zegras. The Columbus Blue Jackets might have made a strong pitch too. One would think those two assets alone should be something the Sabres consider. These recent reports suggest Buffalo wants a lot more.