Shopping Jack Eichel: Calgary

[dudacek]

Will they be interested?

Of all the NHL teams in need of a shakeup, Calgary might head the list. What was perceived to be a solid core has failed and there is a widespread feeling that core needs a major shakeup. Also, of all their needs, 1C might be the most pronounced.

Do they have the pieces?

They have pieces, plenty of pieces. The warts of Johnny Gaudreau, Sean Monahan and Matthew Tkachuk have been brought sharply into focus by the team's recent play, but they are all proven top-6 NHLers and likely available. Elias Lindholm, Andrew Mangiapane, Noah Hanifan, Dillon Dube and Rasmus Asplund are all young enough to warrant a closer look. What the Flames do not have a collection of top prospects and high picks that the Sabres are apparently most interested in. Recent first-rounders Conor Zarry and Jakub Pelletier are attractive, but aren't the type to anchor a deal. The Falmes only have $13 million space, but also have no big ticket contracts pending so there is room to manoeuvre. The fact they are in the western conference is probably attractive to the Sabres.

Would this work?

Elias Lindholm, Matt Tkachuk, Jakub Pelletier and 12OA for Eichel, Reinhart and Ristolainen

There may be an opportunity here for the Sabres to jettison all of their pieces in one fell-swoop blockbuster. Eichel, Reinhart and Risto all fit with Calgary needs in terms of roster construction and represent a major change in the room. Eichel's presence might be just what is needed to rejuvenate Monahan and Johnny Hockey. For the Sabres, Lindholm is a complete player who can serve as their 1C until the kids are ready to grab the torch, and he works well as a 2C, 3C, or top 6 wing moving forward. Tkachuk has attitude and contract questions but is easily the most accomplished player who has been proposed for the main piece in an Eichel return. Both he and Pelletier bring the sandpaper the Sabres need. 12OA is outside the top zone of the draft by high enough that someone attractive could slip.

Is there a deal to be made with the Flames?

 

Edited July 17, 2021 by dudacek

[Rasmus_]

Barf.  I'm not trading Eichel and Reinhart for that.  Sorry, Elias Lindholm and Tkachuck do not equal Eichel and Reinhart.  

[PerreaultForever]

I don't think those are the pieces Calgary wants to get rid of. There's some talk of them possibly moving Giordano and there's always talk about Gaudreau. If Sutter is in charge of their direction, I see them looking for work ethic players and not "stars".  Eichel to Calgary would surprise me that's for sure. 

[Hank]

Hell no!