At least one NHL team would let Eichel choose his own surgery, if they acquired him

The Jack Eichel saga took an interesting turn recently as his own personal surgeon appeared on the 31 Thoughts podcast to explain the dispute between Eichel and the Buffalo Sabres. Dr. Chad J. Prusmack explained that both he and Buffalo's doctors agree that Eichel needs surgery. What is being disputed is the type of surgery Eichel should have. Dr. Prusmack has recommended disc replacement over anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF), which is what Buffalo's doctors are recommending. Prusmack claimed the replacement, which he stated has been done on other professional athletes, would cut recovery time down from six months to two, and greatly reduce the chance of needing more surgery down the road (you can read his in-depth explanation here).

As Prusmack explained, for Eichel to get the surgery he wants without Buffalo's doctors signing off on it would mean potentially voiding his contract, as per the rules of the NHL's collective bargaining agreement with players. Prusmack took issue with that, saying players should be able to decide what's in their own best interest when it comes to medical procedures. According to one Insider, at least one NHL team agrees.

Michael Russo of The Athletic covers the Minnesota Wild and is an excellent source of information on the team. He tweeted the 31 Thoughts podcast which included the appearance by Prusmack, calling it a fascinating interview. He was then asked by a follower what the Minnesota Wild would do if the team happened to acquire Eichel over the offseason.

"If they trade for him, they're going to let Eichel make the decision," said Russo without hesitation.

Minnesota, and a few others, have been rumoured to have interest in Eichel, with Sabres GM Kevyn Adams recently saying he's in talks with "several teams". Like others, the Wild are likely hesitant due to the asking price, which analysts say is incredibly high as it stands right now.

Given a recent statement from Eichel's agents saying they expected their client to be traded by now and adding "the process isn't working (you can read more about that here), it's a safe bet that the relationship between Eichel and Buffalo has deteriorated to a point where he will never play in a Sabres uniform again. That could work to further weaken Adams' negotiating abilities in getting the highest price possible for Eichel, who was once heralded as the team's franchise piece for the new era. Until Eichel is traded, expect the back and forth to continue.

This is a fascinating interview. Obviously one side of the #Sabres and Eichel conflict, but you can see why Eichel wants to have the disc replacement as opposed to fusion #mnwild https://t.co/JMtpxgPZbY— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) July 31, 2021

If they trade for him, they're going to let Eichel make the decision— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) July 31, 2021

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