Insider: «A huge name linked to the Jack Eichel trade»

On Monday morning, Rangers reporter Rick Carpiniello of The Athletic linked another big name to the ongoing rumours surrounding a possible trade of Buffalo Sabres captain. The New York Rangers have been rumoured to be among the frontrunners for Eichel's services for some time, but both parties have been unable to close the deal.

According to Carpiniello's latest remarks, the Rangers may be stepping up their offer, with Mika Zibanejad, one of their top forwards, possibly included.

"DO NOT be surprised if Mika Zibanejad is involved in the Jack Eichel deal," Carpiniello wrote Monday.

I mentioned earlier that this struck me as odd, and I'll explain why now. First, I don't see this deal making a lot of sense for the Buffalo Sabres. Why would a rebuilding team prefer a 28-year-old centerman over young assets and draft picks?

Then there's Zibanejad. I can't see him waiving his no-movement clause to join the Buffalo Sabres from the New York Rangers. A bad season on a bad team in Buffalo could cost Zibanejad millions of dollars in free agency.

I'm not saying Carpiniello is being dishonest, but I can't see the Rangers convincing both the Sabres and Zibanejad to make this trade.