Jack Eichel's name mentioned in trade rumours, McKenzie explores the validity

With the entry draft looming, there are plenty of rumours circulating around the hockey world with names that many have expected to be mentioned. However, one name that has come up that would certainly shock most is superstar pivot Jack Eichel.

According to TSN's hockey insider Bob McKenzie, while doing his routine due diligence and searching for intel through a series of calls, he received a tip that Eichel had requested a trade from Buffalo and that the Rangers were among those most interested. Though the source was not named and the information was unconfirmed, it certainly moved the needle enough for McKenzie to explore the validity of the rumour. One of his first calls was to Eichel's agent, Peter Fish.

"I hear that (trade talk) a lot," said Fish. "Jack wants to win. He's frustrated (not winning), but, no, he doesn't want out. Jack is preparing to head to Buffalo at some point here and prepare for the season, whenever that may be. That's all he controls."

Obviously, part of a player's agent's job is to say all the right things, but when it comes to a player of Eichel's status and caliber, this would be a really difficult secret to keep under wraps, if the rumours were, in fact, true.

The Sabres organization has also dismissed these rumours, though it is believed that teams had called new Sabres GM Kevyn Adams when he took over to see where his head was at and which players, if any, were going to become available. I'm assuming that Eichel's name would have been among those who would have peaked the interest of GM's from around the league.

For now, it appears as though Eichel and the Sabres are on the same page and have had some dialogue about the direction of the franchise, but both sides have vehemently denied the speculation on Eichel potentially being available.

Still, with the information popping up from more than one source, you have to imagine that these conversations are happening on some level, even if it is being denied from both sides.

Ty Anderson, writer for 985thesportshub.com, has confirmed that he has also heard some speculation surrounding Eichel, and that the Boston Bruins have had some communication with the Sabres, adding that he was curious as to how the Bruins would even begin to clear the space necessary.

Interesting development in Buffalo. We'll have to just wait and see if the chatter leads to anything.

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