Report: We’re close to a trade for Jack Eichel!

We might be on the verge of an imminent trade when it comes to Jack Eichel. And yes, we heard you: finally!

As you know, a few weeks ago that there was a willingness to make a move with the type of surgery Eichel is seeking. Eichel favors having artificial disk replacement surgery. The Sabres are against him having the procedure because it has never been performed on an NHL player. Since then, Eichel’s camp has met with the Sabres to discuss the surgery issue and teams have continued to inquire about trade scenarios and it is believed that teams interested in making a trade for Eichel have agreed on surgery.

It’s been said more and more that we’re nearing a trade and all signs points to the Vegas Golden Knights being top contenders. The team has come up in many reports, including from Frank Seravalli of Daily Face-Off and Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, and it sounds like the Golden Knights and Sabres are getting close on an Eichel deal.

However, the Anaheim Ducks have been in the mix for weeks now, and could be making moves to acquire Eichel’s services.

Vegas had been a strong contender in the past for acquiring Eichel’s services. It was previously reported that first-round draft picks and a top prospects such as Peyton Krebs or Nicolas Hague needed to be part of the deal. Once healthy and ready to go, Eichel could become the bonafide No. 1 center the Golden Knights have lacked since Day 1.

Vegas needs to be careful however on what the asking return would be. Eichel is under contract through 2025-26 with a $10-million cap hit. And we still have no clue where he will play this season… On top of that, Vegas currently has $6.4 million in cap space, according to CapFriendly , although forwards Max Pacioretty and Alex Tuch are on long-term injured reserve. The Sabres reportedly aren’t interested in retaining any of Eichel’s salary in a trade.

It remains to be seen what the return would be for Eichel as we know the Sabres have been asking for a whole.

We are close, folks!