Elliotte Friedman clarifies the Eichel situation and lists several potential destinations

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T. Tadi
May 11, 2021 (1:19 PM)

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With all signs pointing to a Jack Eichel-Buffalo Sabres split over the team's treatment of his current neck injury.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman offered some insight on the situation during his latest episode of 31 Thoughts.

There's been a bit of a disconnect between the company and myself

Eichel said on Monday.

he most important thing is trying to get healthy and figure out a way to be available to play hockey next year wherever that might be.

After much debate, apparently the two sides agreed to delay making a decision on the matter to allow Eichel to rest, hoping that the injury might progress enough on its own that it would negate the need for a risky surgical procedure. It is assumed that Eichel is still very much in favor of an artificial disk replacement.

Recently, two mixed martial artists have undergone the procedure, with one having already returned and the other well on his way to returning. Former Middleweight Champion Chris Weidman had the procedure done in January of 2019 and has multiple pro fights to his credit since his return. Meanwhile, current Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling underwent the procedure in April and has been told by medical staff that he will be good to go within 3 months.

Friedman is convinced that Eichel has played his last game as a Buffalo Sabre.

With a new home for Eichel as the most likely outcome for next season, the focus now turns to where that might be. Despite much speculation that the Rangers would be heavily involved in negotiations to bring Eichel to "The Big Apple", Friedman suggests that the Sabres may not want to move him there for obvious reasons, not the least of which is the frequency at which they would have to play against him.

So, if not New York, where does Eichel end up? Friedman suggests that there will be no shortage of interest in the 24-year-old, regardless of his current health status.

You have to think Boston tries, but do they have the pieces? No one lusts after a centre more than Columbus, but, again, do they have what Buffalo wants? Philadelphia could do it. Anaheim was in on Pierre-Luc Dubois, and they have the pieces. Los Angeles certainly can. It doesn't make sense for them, but Ottawa could, too. So could Montreal. There's going to be a serious suitor we don't think of,

said Friedman.

With the all of the details still not out, this will certainly be one of the hot topics in the NHL throughoht this entire offseason.