According to Pierre LeBrun the Sabres and Jack Eichel have begun preliminary discussions about a contract extension for the 2018-19 season.
Hearing that preliminary discussions have begun between the Sabres and Jack Eichel’s camp on an extension. He’s one year out of his ELS deal
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 28, 2017
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The news breaks on the same day that Connor McDavid’s massive eight year 106 million dollar extension was reported.
My Take:
With free agency beginning July 1, 2017 the Sabres number one priority (aside from improving the D core) should be inking Jack Eichel to a long term extension.
Eichel is the face of the franchise and the team will be built around him in the future, so rather than sending a panic through the Sabres fan base Botterill needs to act fast and get this deal done as soon as possible.
When you examine Eichel’s first two years as a Sabre it is clear that he is the best player on the team and one of the best young superstars in the NHL and he is vital to the Sabres success as an organization.
If I’m Botterill and Eichel I am looking for an eight year term, and and annual cap hit of anywhere between 10 and 11 million dollars. I would be very surprised if the extension falls at anywhere less than eight years for 80 million (8X10).
Once Eichel’s extension is signed Sabres fans can relax and the organization can shift their focus to building around our franchise cornerstone.
Expect Eichel’s contract extension to be announced this weekend if everything goes smoothly, follow @SabresFanatics and myself @austin_broad for any upcoming details and news.
