NHL Rumors: Sabres fielding trade offers for Jack Eichel and others, and Gerard Gallant hot commodity
Anthony Scultore
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The Buffalo Sabres are said to be engaged in trade talks for Jack Eichel and several other players according to Darren Dreger of TSN. In a series of tweets this morning, he outlines the latest with Buffalo.
Sabres fielding trade offers for Jack Eichel and others
“Aside from the ongoing coach search, NHL clubs are calling Buffalo with interest in a number of players, including Jack Eichel,” Dreger wrote this morning. “Initial conversations that will increase as we get closer to the Draft.”
Eichel has been in the news a lot over the last few days. Recently, Elliotte Friedman noted that the disconnect between the two sides over his injury is a real point of contention. “It’s clear there is a clear lack of trust between Eichel and the Sabres right now,” he said on the 31 Thoughts podcast. “Again, this is me talking, nobody is telling me this, I wonder if this is a deal that happens sooner rather than later for that reason.”
The teams interested in Eichel reached out to Friedman to ask if there was more info not yet public. He told them there wasn’t. “It wouldn’t surprise me at all if the Sabres answer to this is to potentially is to punt the situation to another team,” Friedman concluded.
As far as whom else teams may be calling on, Sam Reinhart is at the top of the list. It is believe the Columbus Blue Jackets have already contacted Sabres GM Kevyn Adams about him. Other names that the Sabres may move is Rasmus Ristolainen and the rights to UFA Linus Ullmark.
Sabres coaching search
“No timeline on the coaching hire in Buffalo,” Dreger also noted. “There are still candidates either involved in the playoffs or were in Latvia for the Worlds that are on the list. Some require club permission, so Buffalo is working through that.” Speculation is that Gerard Gallant is likely to get a call. The Sabres also spoke with highly regarded European coach, Rikard Gronborg. Many feel the current interim coach Don Granato will get the job.
Gerard Gallant win Gold
Gerard Gallant steered the youngest team to Gold at the the World Championships in Latvia. Nick Paul scored the golden goal to give Canada a 3-2 win over Finland to close tournament. What makes this even more impressive is they started 0-3 out of the gate but clawed back in it and ultimately took the title.
“I’m so proud of those guys, they never quit and like you said it was a tough, tough start,” Gallant said with the Gold Medal around his neck. “[Mangiapane] was the difference maker there’s no doubt about that.”
Gallant was also asked about what he would remember the most about the tournament. “Just the guys – they never quit,” he replied. “When we were 0-3 we talked about we know what we have to do to…It’s going to be good for everyone’s careers, we are the youngest team here. I’m real proud of this group and it’s been a lot of fun.”
Gallant a hot commodity
Winning World Championship Gold is only going to elevate Gallant’s profile even higher among NHL teams looking for a head coach. The expectation is that several other teams will be lining up either an initial or second interview as soon as he returns.
There’s already rampant speculation that second interviews are lined up with the Kraken, Blue Jackets, and Rangers. Buffalo as we mentioned before will most certainly give him a call as well as the Coyotes.
“I’m waiting for the next opportunity and I hope it comes soon,” said Gallant. “Not sure what’s it going to be. I’m having conversations with some teams and hopefully something happens.’’