The starting point t would likely be BOTH number 3 and 5 overall (Stutzle and Rossi), then you keep adding. Ottawa does have the assets to do it, but there’s not much a chance Buffalo would ever deal him, especially in the division.

It's not an insulting offer so better than at least 90% of trades for Eichel proposed here. Eichel's not getting traded so it doesn't really matter and if he is this deal does possibly get outbid. Still, in the running so good work.

Does this really help the Sens, though? That roster is not ready to take advantage of having Eichel on it.

Here is my guess of Eichel price (not a fan of either teams here)

One of: 2020 1st pick (SJS) #3oa
One of: 2020 1st pick (OTT) #5oa....or....2020 1st pick (NYI ) #21-31 overall + 2021 1st pick (OTT)
One of: 2020 2nd pick (OTT)....or...two 2020 2nds among CBJ, NYI, DAL picks
One of: Drake Batherson, Alex Forementon, Logan Brown, Josh Norris
One of: Lassi Thomson, Erik Brannstrom, Jacob Bernard-Docker
One of: Tierney, Brown, Duclair

Spare parts and a high pick doesn't get you Eichel. You could at the very least give us a real prospect in the deal.

Yeah, its really just the one pick and a bunch of quantity.

Not far off considering how high those 1sts are. If the Sabres move him now (which they won't) it'll minimally be: NHL caliber 2C (no, Ryan Strome does not count), another solid middle 6 NHLer or middle pairing LHD, a team's best C prospect, a team's best overall prospect (or 2nd if that's the C prospect), 2 1sts. That would be the least. So yeah, I'd say your above trade is in range to be in the conversation/competitive. Good work.

The reality is they're not going to sell low on Eichel. Period. Any trade is going to hurt and you'll lose at least 3-4 pieces you don't want to. Eichel has no leverage to get out other than not playing (he won't) or going to the KHL (which is laughable). Let's assume he whines and moans and demands a trade. Fine, you have to outbid at least 10-20 other teams' best offer.

That would be a terrific trade for Ottawa...

I don’t think there are as many teams who could pull a trade of that magnitude as you think. You say 10-20, I’d be shocked if more than 5-10 would bid because of the flat cap and pieces that’d be wanted by Buffalo. It’d end up turning another team into Buffalo because they’ll be gutting their system in order to trade for him.

You realize this comment is ridiculous, right? A numher of teams continue winning for a decade plus while routinely gutting their system every year by trading away 1sts and 2nds for rentals. No team is going to blink an eye at gutting their team for legitimate 1C (top 10 in the league) with cap certainty.

Almost every team has bad contracts. Any team can make the cap work as it's not a bunch of disposable junk you don't want going back in a deal like all Rags fans think. And yes, 20-25 teams call to investigate and minimally 10 make offers. You're right insofar as only 5-10 would be serious but that is plenty. Or they just don't trade him.

If Eichel sticks around until he has 1-2 years left the trade return will be far smaller but now he's max value or close.

Eichel can’t even go to the KHL. He has a contract. He can’t go anywhere. His choices are refuse to play and be sued for breach of contract, or continue to play for the Sabres. As I have mentioned before if he were to request a trade the Sabres would wait until a sufficient offer were made. It might take a whole season to get it. The only pressure they would have to trade him is from the player himself.

Does the KHL really honor that agreement? If so, my bad. Either way, there's no scenario where he'd go to the KHL even if he could.

I bet there are 10 teams kicking the tires on him just based on rumors. If they put him on block, teams will find a way. Some may not those exact pieces, but they'll get creative. He is a franchise-changer.



I agree with this - if he asked for a trade (a) it would be known and (b) things will have gotten bad enough where the team probably agrees.

Also - the NHL as a league, really wants to have superstars in large markets - gotta wonder how much they'd put their thumb on the scales if it got to this point.

I believe it’s at least a gentleman’s agreement if not written down that each league not poach players with existing contracts. RFAs and UFAs are fair game. Of course Russian labor laws allow players to walk away from a contract with a 2 weeks notice sort of scenario, like Malkin did.

Correct. This trade makes no sense whatever for Ottawa time frame and only gets Buffalo fans all excited for nothing.