By Jordan Long
The National Hockey League’s season starts October 4th. Sabers’ center Jack Eichel enters the final year of his contract. It is set to pay him $3.775 million. According to ESPN, Eichel isn’t worried about his contract situation saying, “I have no problem playing the season out and just trying to earn whatever. We know where we stand. We know where the Sabers stand. If it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen.” Should Buffalo sign him to a long-term deal?
Eichel is only 20 years old and enters his third year in the NHL. He has proven that he can score at full strength and on the power play. Eichel scored 48 goals and added 65 assists so far in his career for a total of 113 points. 18 goals have been scored with the man advantage while adding 27 power play assists.
Eichel’s height at 6 foot 2 inches makes it difficult for defensemen to hit him. If they try, he will often skate past them. His speed allows him to skate around defensemen for scoring opportunities end in goals.
The downside of his game is defense. Eichel can’t block shots or stop opponents from scoring chances. The majority of the time, opposing teams score with him on the ice. His plus/minus last season was a -13. In his career he is a -29 meaning that he is on the ice 29 times more when the rival teams scores then his team scores.
Buffalo must keep Eichel. His play has improved in his two seasons in the NHL. Eichel is 20, not even in his prime. Once he reaches his prime, Eichel might be the top player in the NHL. The Sabers can’t allow him to reach free agency. If they do, many teams will want him because of his scoring ability and how young he is.
The Sabers must talk to him before the regular season starts. If contract talks stall, let Eichel play the season out. If he continues to develop his game and scores 20+ goals and has 30+ assists, then talk to him about a new contract. The worst case scenario is Eichel has a poor season where his numbers decline. Hopefully though, Eichel will earn a new contract with his play.
What should the Buffalo Sabers do with Jack Eichel?
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