Quoting: Ledge_And_Dairy
Eichel is better than Kuzy for starters and is also 25. Lapierre is a solid prospect but also not anywhere near Eichel level either. He's avout the same level as Zary
Eichel can be better than Kuznetsov, but Kevyn Adams is a pain in his neck right now. Eichel definitely welcomes a trade to Calgary if it comes with universal health care and patients' rights. That's a huge point in favor of that deal.
When both are healthy, Eichel is better at puck possession but Kuznetsov is a more consistent point producer and has been to the playoffs with a professional hockey team. Some of that might be linemates and teammates but when Kuznetsov led the Caps in playoff points it's just as possible that he was carrying Ovechkin and WIlson a little bit.
Eichel finished last year on a point a game tear and then hurt his neck. I hope he'll be alright. If he's at 100%, he's worth Tkachuk, a late 1st, and an A- minus prospect.
Kuznetsov finished last season with 25 points in 27 games, a 76 point pace. Then he got Covid and missed two games. Probably rushed back too soon and had an underwhelming playoffs. If I had to bet which of them puts up more points next season, my money is on Kuznetsov. The year after that, if Eichel is allowed to find the right path and the right team to get his neck to 100%, I think Eichel is better, for sure. If you don't want either and just want to flip them next deadline, Eichel has more value on paper, but a higher cap hit, which might limit buyers. He's got more term, which makes retention even more unrealistic.