Rangers reportedly had preliminary trade talks for Sabres captain Jack Eichel

If Buffalo Sabres captain Jack Eichel is traded this summer, he could end up remaining in New York.

According to Larry Brooks of the New York Post, the New York Rangers have had preliminary talks with the Sabres regarding Eichel's availability. Brooks notes it's unclear if Rangers general manager Chris Drury is performing due diligence or seriously interested in acquiring Eichel. 

The Rangers have been linked to Eichel since last summer, when former general manager Jeff Gorton had pre-draft discussions with the Sabres about a deal for the Massachusetts native. Talks never progressed because the Blueshirts weren't willing to part with the first overall pick, which became Alexis Lafreniere. 

In his season-ending media availability, Eichel made it known that he would be willing to play for another team. His comments came after a dispute with the franchise over how to handle his herniated disk injury. 

Eichel missed a majority of the 2020-21 season because of the injury, and he could require surgery. However, the Sabres reportedly have not granted inquiring clubs permission to access Eichel's medical records, so it's not yet known what his status is. 

The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun reported earlier this month that trade conversations between the Sabres and other interested teams are "getting more intense and serious." He listed the Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets and Philadelphia Flyers, among others, as potential suitors for Eichel. 

According to the New York Post, the Sabres are asking for at least four pieces that would be equivalent of first-rounders in exchange for Eichel. 

The 24-year-old has five years remaining on his contract at $10 million per season, and he'll earn a no-move clause after the 2021-22 campaign. 

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