Edited Oct. 27, 2021 at 9:11 a.m.
Sabres fans will need to come to grips with reality.
In Eichel’s current state, he is damaged goods.
No team wants to give up a king’s ransom for nothing (or next to nothing) if he is never the same again.
He won’t be worth pre-injury value until he complete treatment and full rehab assignment, is cleared, and demonstrates he can play at pre-injury levels on the ice, full speed, full contact, etc
The problem for him is that the team has final control over his injury treatment plan.
( I think this should change, as players need more rights when it comes to their bodies, injuries, and treatment plans).
That being said, he still has time left on his contract - 5 years left. I really like Eichel and hope he gets through this at 100% pre-injury level.
The situation just doesn’t look good now.
Not to mention… Jackets would never include Sillinger in this deal. Or Johnson.
Texier, probably. Foudy? Maybe.
I know it is early, but that Chicago pick looks like it may be a high one (albeit lottery protected). I don’t think Jackets are interested in giving it up.