Jack Eichel sure sounds like he’s done with the Sabres

Has Jack Eichel played his last game with the Buffalo Sabres?

This has been a trying season for the Buffalo Sabres. After signing Taylor Hall in the offseason, they were expected to at least be competitive. And until they were shutdown for COVID-19 on Jan. 31, they were somewhat competitive, going 4-4-2. The rest of the way, they went 11-30-5, including an 18 game losing streak that lasted from Feb. 25 to March 31.

Team captain Jack Eichel only played 21 games, with his last game coming on March 7. Eichel missed time thanks to a herniated disc in his neck. On the Sabres cleanout day, he opened up about his injury. And it sure sounds like he’s mad at his team.

According to Eichel, Buffalo didn’t let him have a surgery on his herniated disc. This is according to John Vogl of The Athletic. Perhaps most telling was his refusal to address whether or not he has asked for a trade. Also, he said his main goal is to be ready for next season wherever that may be. Sure doesn’t sound like a commitment to the Sabres.

Is Jack Eichel done with the Sabres?

Today’s comments sure come off as Eichel being mad at his team. And to be fair, he has every right to be mad at them. Eichel, should he and the player’s association choose to pursue it, might even have a legitimate case against them.

But here’s the thing about trading Eichel now. Right now, his value is relatively low. He’s coming off a serious neck injury, one that has haunted players before. Eichel’s also coming off a shortened season, during which he scored just two goals (with 16 assists) in 21 games with a -9 plus-minus rating.

Combine that with the flat salary cap and there aren’t many teams who could put together a good package for Eichel. It might be better for the Sabres to see if Eichel can regain some of his value over the course of next season before his no-movement clause kicks in and he gains all the leverage. Of course, Eichel might want out sooner than that.