Rumour: Golden Knights jump back in Eichel sweepstakes with potential deal

Jack Eichel hasn’t been traded yet, but talks have certainly heated up. So much so that a past contenders, the Vegas Golden Knights might be having second thoughts about getting out of the sweepstakes this offseason.

Earlier today, ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reported that five teams were in the mix to land Eichel from the Buffalo Sabres. While she does not mention the teams by names, Kaplan says that the clubs can fit his $10 million annual average value within their salary-cap payrolls, though some might have to make some moves before pulling the trigger. If we focus on the five teams Kaplan speaks of, Cap Friendly helps us realize that clubs with lots of cap space and sufficient assets in prospects and promising young talent to acquire Eichel could include the Ottawa Senators, Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets and Arizona Coyotes. All of them need an established first-line center, though we don’t have specific reports that they’re all in the hunt for Eichel.

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun believes the St. Louis Blues could be that other contenders seeing that they have been said to be lurking around the Sabres to talk Eichel. LeBrun reported earlier this offseason that the Calgary Flames had done their due diligence when it cames to Eichel, though the insider now wonders if the San Jose Sharks could be in the mix seeing that Evander Kane, who could face a hefty suspension, could up coming off their books they would suddenly have $7 million in cap space.

On top of that now, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet believes the Golden Knights might want back into the Eichel sweepstakes. Vegas was an early frontrunner this summer, especially when they started making bold moves with the Marc-Andre Fleury trade to the Chicago Blackhawks. Earlier this season, it was rumoured that the Sabres had asked Vegas for Krebs, winger Reilly Smith, defenseman Nicolas Hague and a first-round pick.

“I have to say this about Vegas, I have to think they got to be thinking about Eichel. It makes too much sense to me, it’s exactly what fits for them.”

Could the same deal be on the table despite the surgery loop?

Once again per Kaplan, the five teams have agreed to allow Eichel to have the disc replacement surgery he seeks. 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. However, the Sabres’ way means that a patient could have three surgeries in 20 years. We can understand why Eichel wants to get it done his way.

The Golden Knights might be getting seriously re-entering the sweepstakes, especially with captain Mark Stone suffering a strange injury last night on a non-contact play. But they would have to make more room on the salary cap to get him under.

We will have to keep a close eye on this!