Jack Eichel expected to report to Buffalo next week

Buffalo Sabres captain Jack Eichel will reportedly join the team next Wednesday when they take their physicals before the opening of training camp.

"Yes, Jack Eichel will be reporting for #Sabres physicals on Wednesday," said John Wawrow of the Associated Press. "Note that by reporting for his physical, Eichel limits the #Sabres to placing him on IR, should he fail the physical, while still drawing on his salary since the injury was hockey related."

Given that Eichel has been dealing with a herniated disk in his neck, which caused him to miss the majority of the 2020-21 season and led to a rift with the Sabres over a surgery/recovery plan, he might not pass his physical and could be placed on injured reserve. Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams will have to continue trying to move Eichel and may have to drop his asking price in order to get a trade done.

The Sabres have been exploring the possibility of moving their captain ever since Eichel was not happy that the team would not allow him to have artificial disc replacement surgery on his neck because it has never been preformed before on any NHL player.

Eichel, 24, appeared in 21 games last season for Buffalo where he tallied 18 points (2 G, 16 A). The North Chelmsford, Massachusetts native is entering the fourth year of an eight-year contract he signed back in 2017. Following this season, he'll have a no-movement clause in effect for the remaining four years of his deal which would limit the Sabres' ability to move him, hence why there will be a level of urgency to get something done in the next couple of weeks.

Note that by reporting for his physical, Eichel limits the #Sabres to placing him on IR, should he fail the physical, while still drawing on his salary since the injury was hockey related.— John Wawrow (@john_wawrow) September 19, 2021

MUST READ

7 hours ago  |  By Tyler Ball Beloved TNT Analyst Paul Bissonnette Hospitalized After Horrible and Violent Crime: Six Arrested

10 hours ago  |  By Daniel Lucente Canadian Team Reportedly Desperate to Make Massive Trade for a Top Defenseman

13 hours ago  |  By Aaron Itovitch Metropolitan Team Acquires Young First-Round Pick From the Nashville Predators

13 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery Former Sharks Defenseman Doug Murray Shares Incredible Story About Joe Thornton's Generosity

14 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Shocking Turn of Events in New York: Former 50-Goal Scorer Placed on the Trade Block

15 hours ago  |  By Julien Trekker Longtime NHL Referee Mike Hasenfratz Tragically Passes Away at the Age of 58

16 hours ago  |  By Aaron Itovitch NHL Hopeful Colin Brown Critically Injured in St. Louis Shooting: Community Rallies

19 hours ago  |  By Aaron Itovitch Don Cherry Brutally Calls Out Darnell Nurse for Actions Leading to Ryan Reaves' Suspension

MORE STORIES