Digger

Agreed but Columbus could get assets that the Sabres would like for a potential trade. But I have not convinced myself that they can get enough to make a deal.

I still like Quinton Byfield and think that they would rather keep Turcotte for their future 2nd line center if Eichel is their new number 1. They still have Kopitar who is still doing well statistically, 56GP, 13G, 37A, 50Pts (last season) so they are in good shape at center. Also have Alex Iafallo. So if they add Eichel and Turcotte develops as expected then Byfield can be dealt as part of the deal.

Can someone confirm if he has arbitration rights this year? I assume he does and that's why everyone keeps saying he will only sign a 1 year deal (through arbitration). If no I think we would be able to get a multiyear deal out of him because there's no other option for him but to hold out (maybe an offer sheet - which could still be matched by the team or take the picks depending on the deal).

Personally I just don't think they have been offered a decent trade value for him (in past years and so far in the off season) meaning the Sabres decide to keep him. Worst case he should have value at the trade deadline since he's a UFA next year. I know some of the fans want him gone regardless but what's a reasonable trade for him right now at the draft? If he moves, he most likely moves in part of a package with Jack or Sam at the draft or moves after the dust settles with free agency.

Yes I was thinking about this too. I love the idea of this trade but I'm wondering what Anaheim thinks. I assume they want Jack without giving up Zegras. No thanks. Eichel is a proven number 1 center and star with the ability to become a superstar if he can stay healthy and have productive players to play with. Signed for another 5 years. But if you look at that roster minus Zegras and perhaps Comtois in a trade they are pretty thin on talent. Getzlaf, Henrique, Fowler, and Rakell. I'm not sure they have enough to build now with Eichel in their lineup. What are the other reasons that Anaheim makes this trade?

What do you think the upside is for Zegras? I really like him and he really catches your attention when he's on the ice. Is he a 30 goal 80 point player when he becomes established in the NHL? How do you think he compares to Cozens for upside (different players I know)?

It's a big mistake if we trade Sam and Jack from our top line without getting back players that can step into the lineup with 1st line potential. Picks in this year's draft are exciting but no one is going to play this year for the Sabres in my opinion. It's a long wait for fans to get to see them develop. I'm all for getting a 1st round pick but would rather have a A+ prospect ready to step in next season. Worst case sign Sam to a 1 year deal (if we are forced to) and trade him at the deadline for 2022 1st and prospect.

Hi everyone. I'm new to the discussion but thought I would chime in with some thoughts on an Eichel trade. I think that Anaheim will be difficult to deal with primarily because GM Bob Murray has been stingy in the past. Would love Zegras though and the 3OA. I think LA will be willing to give up Byfield and 8OA in a deal especially because Drew Doughty came out and said we want to win now. They can't afford to wait 2-3 years for Byfield to develop. He's also not as good as Jack. I can see him as a future Sabre and doing well. I think he has more upside than Alex Turcotte as a number 1 center (who I think they would like to keep as their future #2 behind Jack). I'm thinking that Columbus is the most desperate of the teams after Jack. They need to try and salvage the Patrick Laine trade by getting him a number 1 center. They really don't have enough assets today in their system to make a trade work. One thing that I hadn't seen discussed very much is a 3 team trade with Columbus getting extra assets for Seth Jones in order to make the trade happen. Including Reinhart in the deal would allow Columbus to ship Seth Jones and Reinhart to make the deal work to get enough quality assets back. What do you think about potentials coming from the Blackhawks, Flyers, or Avs? I would love to get Konecny as part of a deal from the Flyers (what else?). Kirby Dach and Reichel are very interesting from the Hawks. Bowen Byram would be great if we could get him as part of a deal but they don't have a high draft pick. I really believe that we need more than just futures for the returns. Let me know your thoughts on a potential 3 team deal for Jack and Sam.