Bruins Out; Habs Now Favorites In The Eichel Race
The Boston Bruins weren't the frontrunners to get Jack Eichel from the Buffalo Sabres, but their name had come up in trade talks, and according to Jimmy Murphy of Boston Hockey Now, they were still interested. He claims the team was expecting to talk to the Buffalo Sabres in the coming weeks.
From the Bruins' perspective, Eichel's new agent may have complicated matters.
Murphy wonders if moving Eichel from Peter Fish to Pat Brisson hurt the Bruins' trade value. While Boston is likely to remain interested in a deal if the price drops, Brisson has a strong reputation with a number of teams and their GMs. Boston was thought to be a good fit for Eichel's old agent.
Murphy quotes:
�'While Brisson may be able to help an interested team on the NHL trade market negotiate that down, Eichel leaving Global Hockey doesn't help much because Fish and Donatelli had a very good rapport with Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney. Not to make it worse for Bruins fans, but Brisson has a close relationship with Montreal Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin. Eichel has already been tied to the Habs before. Could the Bruins' arch-rival land the North Chelmsford, MA native on the NHL trade market?''
Murphy's hint that the Canadiens might be interested is merely that. There's some indication the Habs are now favourites to deal for Eichel. On the other hand, he could be right about the Bruins. If Eichel's old agent knew Sweeney, the Bruins might have a leg up. That may be changing. The Habs GM and Brisson have a great relationship since childhood.
Will they let KK go to the Canes and try to trade for Jack Eichel?
Maybe Brisson owes Bergevin a favor? Who knows. Only time will tell.
