I am not quite sure Eichel will, at least at this moment, net the equivalence of four 1st round picks, though. Let's be fair here: Eichel has not had surgery yet. Either surgery that he receives is a serious surgery. There is a possibility that Eichel gets one of the surgeries, comes back, and plays like the all-star that we all know. But, nobody is acknowledging that it is almost equally possible that he comes back and cannot perform at his $10 million per paycheck. Furthermore, there is a possibility (however small) that he may never play again. To expect a team - without giving said team the chance to talk to the doctors working directly with Eichel - to pay the equivalent of four 1st round picks for a $10 million dollar a year player when you're unsure what the outcome would be? Take a big step back, read that statement, and then ask yourself if you want your team making that trade.
I am not saying that the Eichel from last season wasn't worth his contract. What I am saying is that, as a GM, I would be extremely nervous to trade for a player with that contract if I do not know what he's going to be like post surgery.
Just my thoughts: I think it's highly doubtful that he gets traded prior to the start of the season. A team needs to at least see his medicals. If the Sabres offer Eichel at a 30% discount ($7 million per), maybe there's a GM willing to gamble. But they just need to see the guy skate after surgery.
I feel awful for Sabres fans. I really do. I don't have skin in this game, but it's going to be interesting to see where he eventually lands and how much it cost to get him there. I also sincerely hope that, no matter what, he gets back to playing and that he's okay.