Jack Eichel's agents expect trade from Sabres in 'near future'

Jack Eichel's time with the Buffalo Sabres is undoubtedly winding down, and it seems more and more likely that the Boston University product will be traded this offseason. 

Eichel's agents Peter Fish and Peter Donatelli told Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman that their expectation is their client will be traded "in the near future," adding that all of their discussions with the Sabres have been "centered around that issue."

Eichel's status was a hot topic around last weekend's NHL Draft, but a trade never came to fruition. The Sabres instead traded defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, forward Sam Reinhart, and also selected defenseman Owen Power with the first overall pick in the draft. 

Eichel missed the final two months of the 2020-21 season due to a neck issue. The 24-year-old reportedly wants a disc replacement, but the Sabres won't sign off on the procedure. Buffalo's handling of Eichel's injury has caused its relationship with him to deteriorate. 

The Massachusetts native has five years remaining on his contract at $10 million per season. According to The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun, the Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers are among his potential suitors. 

While Eichel's future in Buffalo is uncertain, Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams hasn't shut the door on Eichel returning to the team next season.

The Sabres drafted Eichel second overall in 2015. He has 139 goals and 216 assists in 375 games played.