Buffalo Sabres captain Jack Eichel has found himself in the headlines earlier this offseason after his allegations that there's a "disconnect" between himself and the club regarding a neck injury that he suffered, and that this reported rift between the two sides could lead to Eichel wearing a different uniform next season.
«There's been a bit of a disconnect between myself and the organization,» Eichel said Monday. «It's been tough at times. Right now, for me, the most important thing now is to try to get healthy and figure out a way to be available to play hockey next year, wherever that might be.»
"The NHL off-season is rolling along with the Buffalo Sabres no closer to trading Jack Eichel. Nevertheless, The Athletic's Rick Carpiniello felt we shouldn't be surprised if Mika Zibanejad is part of a deal that brings the Sabres captain to the New York Rangers.
Carpiniello tossed off that possibility on Monday, adding fuel to speculation percolating during last weekend that a trade could be close. It began last Thursday with Eichel starting a Twitter account making no mention of the Sabres. The following day, MSG Network's Steve Valiquette tweeted out,«My Spidey senses are tingling. Eichel #NYR»
