In the first article of this ‘absurd trade’ series I wrote a piece about the Boston Bruins attempting to acquire Pittsburgh Penguins captain and all-time great Sidney Crosby. In my opinion, a move for Buffalo Sabres young center Jack Eichel seems a lot more likely (on the absurd trade scale that is).
Jack Eichel was reportedly disgruntled with the organization last summer and with the Sabres at the basement of the East division, trade rumours are surfacing yet again.
In Buffalo’s defence, they have tried to get help for the franchise centerman. They signed top free-agent forward and Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall to flank Eichel’s right side. Hall has only scored once in 17 games played so far. After scoring 40 goals in 2019 – the Sabres signed Jeff Skinner to what now is one of the grossest contracts in the league at $9 million per year. Skinner has 1 point in 14 games played and has a hard time even cracking the fourth line.
Eichel himself hasn’t had the best season with only 2 goals so far, but he is far from the biggest problem for the Buffalo Sabres organization.
The fit on the Boston Bruins seems almost too perfect. A Massachusetts native and Boston University alum – Eichel would be an immediate hometown favourite for the Bruins organization.
David Krejci is an impending UFA and although the Boston Bruins have some incoming young reinforcements at the position – a proven asset should always be favoured as a competitive team.
There would certainly be some cap gymnastics required, but the Bruins front office certainly wouldn’t have a problem moving some money to bring in what would be a future franchise centerman. Even if Boston decides to go the ‘hybrid rebuild’ route with some important veterans on expiring contracts – Jack Eichel is 24 and has five more years remaining on his contract after the 2021 season.
If the Boston Bruins decided to go get the hometown boy – what would a trade with the Buffalo Sabres look like?