The Failed Jack Eichel Trade From Buffalo That Almost Happened

PUBLICATION

Tyler Ball
August 29, 2023 (7:39 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

The Jack Eichel saga was one that dragged on for months. He wanted a specific neck surgery and the Buffalo Sabres were not allowing him to have it. This led to a trade request and a long drawn-out negotiation process.

Eichel In Ottawa?

A post put out by a user on X suggested that the Buffalo Sabres had discussions with the Ottawa Senators in regards to a Jack Eichel trade.

According to this Twitter post the ask for Jack Eichel was rumored to be Jake Sanderson plus other assets. This was an immediate no for the Ottawa Senators according to the post.

A Review Of The Jack Eichel Trade

While this trade would have been fun between division rivals both teams likely are better off with the deal that was made.

The Buffalo Sabres ended up with top-line forward Alex Tuch, a great young piece in Peyton Krebs, a 2022 First Round Pick which turned into Noah Ostlund, and a 2nd round pick that was eventually traded for Jordan Greenway. Overall Sanderson plus other assets would not top this return since the Buffalo Sabres have two elite young defensemen in Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power.

The Vegas Golden Knights ended up with Jack Eichel who became their number one center. The Golden Knights would go on to win a Stanley Cup with Eichel so they certainly are happy with the deal.

As for the Ottawa Senators, they get to keep Jake Sanderson and their future assets. The Sens are in a good spot to make the playoffs this season and have a roster set up for sustained success. If the Eichel trade went through a lot of the key contributors for the current Senators roster could be in a Buffalo Sabres uniform.

All in all, while this rumor is fun to look back on with hindsight it was never a reality. All teams involved have likely turned out better in the process and now we get to see Jake Sanderson and the Ottawa Senators battle for a playoff spot against Alex Tuch and the Buffalo Sabres.