Boston Bruins absurd trade analyzer: Jack Eichel
By Jack Long
Boston Bruins – Buffalo Sabres megadeal.
Much like the Sidney Crosby scenario, it is truly tough to say what a return for a player of Jack Eichel’s calibre would be solely for the reason that a player of this magnitude is almost never available in the NHL.
Of course, no matter what it would be a massive haul for the Buffalo Sabres and one that would stockpile the Sabres with prospects and picks. A trade for Eichel would immediately signal a full teardown, so it would be hard to imagine them wanting any sort of veteran asset.
In the trade scenario above, the Boston Bruins would be losing some core young pieces who look set to become long-term stalwarts for the franchise. That along with losing two high draft picks is a major package to give up – especially for Don Sweeney who absolutely hates any move that mortgages the future.
The cost would be more than worth the product though, with a generational all-star centerman being the return. With David Krejci looking to be on the way out – Eichel could slide into the No. 2 role before eventually taking over for captain Patrice Bergeron in a few years.
How could the Boston Bruins fit Jack Eichel under the cap?
This would easily be the biggest roadblock in bringing Jack Eichel to TD Garden. Eichel is currently in the third year of an 8-year, $80 million contract.
The Boston Bruins as it stands have just over $3 million in cap space and although they have a lot of team-friendly deals – there are some solid numbers on the books.
The best scenario for the Bruins would be to try and work out a trade for the young centerman in the summer when hefty deals like David Krejci and Tuukka Rask’s expire. Those two combined to free up over $14 million.