NHL Rumors: Jack Eichel’s way out of Buffalo, ESPN getting hockey back, and untouchable Predators

Jack Eichel has dominated the NHL Rumor Mill as of late. You have to wonder if the Sabres struggles haven’t impacted his play this season. He only has two goals on the year to go with 13 points in 14 games.

Over the previous two seasons, Eichel’s points per game average was at 1.10. This year it has dipped to .92 which is still excellent but trending in the wrong direction for the 24 year-old center.

NHL Rumors: Jack Eichel’s way out of Buffalo

Let’s be clear about one thing, the Buffalo Sabres have Eichel locked under contract until the summer of 2026. They do not have to trade him.

Michael Traikos of the Toronto Sun considered that when he wrote his latest column. That’s why he believes that if Eichel were to go a similar public route to Patrik Laine and Pierre-Luc Dubois it would put the Sabres in a tough spot and expedite a move.

Eichel has not spoken to reporters since earlier in the week, but how do you think he is feeling now? How long before he does what Patrik Laine and Pierre-Luc Dubois both did and tells his agent that he wants to be traded to a team that knows how to build around a superstar? And how long before GM Kevyn Adams decides to roll the dice and see what he can fetch for a 24-year-old who is in the prime of his career?

Toronto Sun

This is going to come to a head either at the trade deadline or more likely than not, the offseason.

RELATED: EICHEL TRADE TALK HEATING UP

NHL Rumors: ESPN reportedly in the next hockey TV deal

It looks like ESPN will be getting back into broadcasting some NHL games in the next TV contract. As NBC’s deal is expiring and word that NBCSN is shutting down, this is a big deal for the NHL.