Quoting: Isles777
A mid to late 1st in an underwhelming draft is not a blue chip asset. Boldy is great but likely tops out as a great two way 2nd line winger. Sabres are trading a top 15 player in the entire league , they need players in return that have a good chance of being top line producers, specifically centers.
If/when Eichel is made available , there will multiple teams that will have no problem “overpaying” for a superstar center on a bargain contract.
You know, I don't know where this idea that a top center prospect
has to go back for Buffalo to consider it. A center prospect, sure. But it doesn't necessarily have to be top end one.
Why...
Because they are already in a prime position to draft either Mathew Beniers or Kent Johnson in this upcoming year's draft. Both of which are on par with Rossi in terms of skill and potential ceilings. Say what you want about this year's draft, but that top 15 is pretty well scouted by now, even with covid complications.
And, if they do move Eichel. They are guaranteed to be a basement team in 2022's draft, and will again most likely be in a position to draft one of Wright (Crosby/McDavid), Lambert (Mackinnon), or Savoie (Mathews/Eichel/Barkov). All of whom have floors of a Barkov.
You know what, I think they'll be just fine not getting a top center prospect back from a potential Eichel trade. But that could just be me.