NHL Rumors: Sabres entertaining Jack Eichel offers; Kings Alex Iafallo available; and David Savard Lightning bound?
Anthony Scultore
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For NHL Rumors this is now the busiest time of year. Here’s the next round of buzz being generated out there and aggregated from some of the top insiders.
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Sabres entertaining Jack Eichel offers
Elliotte Friedman just dropped his latest 31 Thoughts blog and threw in this tasty morsel.
The person to watch is Kevyn Adams. He’s the juggler, going through multiple scenarios both big and small. There’s a big difference between “considering” and “doing,” but I think he’s considering almost everything. And I do believe he’s listening to Jack Eichel pitches. At the very least, Adams is getting the lay of the land.
31 Thoughts
In a recent episode of the Lead Off, Friedman stated that the New York Rangers actually had an offer on the table. “The team with the best combination of the want and ability to do it is the Rangers, but is Buffalo going to be comfortable sending him there,” he explained. “Last year they talked – there was an offer on the table I don’t think it included the #1 pick and I’m sure Buffalo asked. There was an offer on the table I understand was pretty reasonable.”
The New York Rangers and Jack Eichel have been linked in the NHL Rumor Mill for quite awhile. That was only reinforced when one of hockey’s top insiders, Bob McKenzie confirmed they called about him this past offseason. Eric Duhatschek of The Athletic noted in a January mailbag article that, “the Rangers made a hard push on Jack Eichel last summer, but ultimately, couldn’t get anything done.”
I don’t believe any of these discussions would lead to a deadline deal. If anything we are still looking at this for the offseason.
L.A. Kings may make Alex Iafallo available
The L.A. Kings haven’t been doing a lot of winning lately and that has people pointing to them as sellers. One player who is a pending UFA could be dealt at the deadline; Alex Iafallo.
Iafallo, 27, can become a UFA this summer and the two sides have not yet been able to come to terms on an extension. Granted, the conversation could change with one phone call and I know the Kings would love to hold on to him, but if the right deal presents itself, Kings GM Rob Blake could explore his options. The Leafs, for example, have been keeping their eyes on Iafallo.
The Fourth Period
Earlier this year it was believed that the two sides had mutual interest in a deal. However, things have not yet worked themselves out to a new contract. It would not shock me to see the Kings trade him.
Tampa Bay Lightning a stealth team on David Savard
Blue Jackets defenseman David Savard is a hot commodity. While the obvious teams keep being mentioned, Elliotte Friedman really believes the Lightning are not only in on him; they could land him.
Tampa: Still think the Lightning are a stealth team on David Savard.
I’m still not sure how they pull this off. Maybe there’s no salary cap in the state of Florida?