Well sure, they have a choice...but say they bomb next year again and Eichel asks for a trade, is it really wise to let that requests fester for five years?

Obviously the smart thing is to sit and wait for the right offer to come around, like Colorado did with Duchene which they got a great haul for. I think if Buffalo played their cards right (which they have a tendency not to) they could get way more than that cause Eichel's value is much higher than Duchene's. Looking back and reading everyone's feedback, I would consider this mock trade as an underpayment, but I think it's a realistic start to a package.

No one is saying to let it fester for 5years
BUT
Having that much time means they can wait until they get the deal they want (like u point out the AVs did with Duchene)