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Could Sabres Send Jack Eichel to the Los Angeles Kings?

Photo of Igor Burdetskiy Igor Burdetskiy Follow on X April 20, 2021
1 2 minutes read

The Buffalo Sabres have had a rough time this season with a record of 11-26-7 as of April 18. That mark is the lowest points percentage for the team since 2014-2015. The woes for the franchise go back even further, having not seen the postseason since 2010-2011.  Now there are whispers out there that Sabres captain Jack Eichel could be dealt before the start of next season.

TSN hockey insider Darren Dreger noted while appearing on “The Instigators” and WGR 550 that Eichel could be out of Buffalo. The destination could be Los Angeles, as the Kings have noted interest, believing the 24-year-old, six-year NHL veteran would be a good fit.

Eichel has had a down season with only two goals and 16 assists in 21 games. Much of the decreased production compared to past seasons can be attributed to a herniated disc in his neck. Eichel is currently undergoing rehab from surgery to fix the condition.

Much like the Sabres, the Kings are struggling this season. They are 7th in the West Division with a 16-20-6 record and haven’t won a playoff round since hoisting the Stanley Cup in 2013-2014. Only five teams in the NHL have scored fewer goals than the Kings.  Dustin Brown (16 goals), Adrian Kempe (13 goals), and Alex Iafallo (11 goals) are the only three players on the Kings in double digits in goals.

Center Anze Kopitar leads the Kings in scoring with 9 goals and 34 assists but the team has gotten substandard production from the other centers on the roster.  This is where Eichel would be a great fit.  Prior to this season, Eichel has surpassed 20 goals and 30 assists in each of his first five seasons. He had a career high 36 goals last season and career best 54 assists in 2018-2019.

Only four teams in the NHL have scored less than Buffalo this season.  A healthy return of Eichel would certainly increase that production. However, the Sabres still appear to be far off from any serious contention even with Eichel in the lineup.

The trade talks likely will continue between the two teams, according to Dreger. The question is how much will the Sabres ask for their captain? The Kings should have a relatively high pick in next year’s draft. It could take some first-round picks and other complimentary pieces from the Kings to get a deal made.

According to NHL odds, one thing is certain, the Sabres won’t deal their captain if they don’t get what they want in return.

Igor Burdetskiy

Igor Burdetskiy

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & CEO at Hooked on Hockey Magazine
I grew up playing Ball and Roller Hockey day and night somewhat religiously throughout elementary and middle school. The two don't compare though when I lace up the skates and hit the ice. I live and breathe hockey beyond the perspective of "it's just a game" and I will gladly talk hockey for hours with anyone. Hockey is more than just a lifestyle, it's a culture of passionate people who make memories every time the puck is dropped. Hockey has not only helped me get through some of the hardest times in life but has created some of the best memories to date. Want to talk hockey with me? Shoot me an email: iburdetskiy@hookedonhockey.com and let's talk some hockey!
Igor Burdetskiy
Photo of Igor Burdetskiy Igor Burdetskiy Follow on X April 20, 2021
1 2 minutes read
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