Hot take: I’ll be rooting for Eichel

[Zamboni]

I find it funny that those who were rooting for Eichel to win the cup… Just so they can “see the board meltdown” and get entertainment from it. are quite frustrated today. Because frankly I am seeing absolutely zero melting down from “the board “. 😂

[WhenWillItEnd66]

As much as cannot stand Eichel, Vegas winning the cup was zero about him. They had so many other pieces they would have won with or without him based on the way things went. Congrats to Eichel, he will be forever booed in Buffalo. We move on. We have an up and coming team (Which i still believe is too soft) but freaking stacked with young talent! We just move on. I think this team is not too far from being able to compete (With the exception of the lack of playoff physicality that doomed the Amerks) for a SC in the nearer future. 

Edited June 14, 2023 by Stormcloudmember66

[Zamboni]

Booing Eichel in Buffalo is definitely definitely not “moving on” 😂

that’s like saying “I moved on from my ex-wife/GF”. Yet every time that you hear about her or see her… You go out of your way to make disparaging remarks about her, or make her life a little more difficult in some small way. Dude you haven’t moved on at all. So no, there will be a good section of Sabres fans who will never “move on”.

[nucci]

4 minutes ago, Stormcloudmember66 said:

As much as cannot stand Eichel, Vegas winning the cup was zero about him. They had so many other pieces they would have won with or without him based on the way things went. Congrats to Eichel, he will be forever booed in Buffalo. We move on. We have an up and coming team (Which i still believe is too soft) but freaking stacked with young talent! We just move on. I think this team is not too far from being able to compete (With the exception of the lack of playoff physicality that doomed the Amerks) for a SC in the nearer future. 

well if he will be forever booed then you're not moving on

[Thorner]

1 hour ago, In The Buff said:

Is this the 1st time Jack's been part of a team that has won something? Wait i believe he was part of the US Junior squad that took gold some 10 years ago.

You'd think a player as great as Jack would've had more team success to speak of in his career. The fact that he hasn't is a story in itself i suppose.

I'm sure he's ecstatic, but Vegas winning the Cup seems less to do about Jack & more to do with the rest of the Vegas squad. In fact, Vegas had they not made the trade very likely couldve won the Cup anyways with Tuch & Krebs on their roster. Did Jack really provide Vegas with more than what Tuch would've? But yes i was one of those rooting against him & Vegas. Im just glad he didn't win the Conn Smythe like ROR because that mightve been too much for me lol.

But I dont hate that he won & i wish him no ill will. I do wonder what to do with my Eichel jerseys tho. Figured keep 1 for posterity & maybe add a letter in front of his name? F might work. No ill will i swear haha

Absurd. It’s as much to do with Jack as any other one player on that team, and more than most. They said as much themselves. 

The fact they had several crucial players is exactly the point. That’s the only way to build a Cup winner.  No player does it without a stacked team. Not a one.

”Well I’m not sure he was even all that important”. 

None of this stuff would ever enter the conversation for any other Cup winning team’s 1C. He’s their 1C! And led the playoffs in scoring, WITH dominant defense.

Wayne Gretzky said he was the rightful Smythe winner for jeepers sakes. I think Wayne knows Puck.

Edited June 14, 2023 by Thorny

[Thorner]

1 hour ago, Randall Flagg said:

Bro a cup and a world junior gold is more team success than the vast majority of nhl skaters achieve

Hes 26

His goalie cost him the national college title too with an all time gaffe lol

I bet you he never he got over that, until yesterday

[Thorner]

44 minutes ago, LGR4GM said:

Exactly, the tank worked and the rebuild failed. Glad you finally understand because as you conclude "I don't see how anyone can think Vegas would've won the Cup without him."

Rebuild failed in part because of how difficult the tank made it. Strategy was faulty 

[Sabel79]

[miles]

this is how i remember jack, always

 

 

[WhenWillItEnd66]

49 minutes ago, nucci said:

well if he will be forever booed then you're not moving on

I am not in Buffalo, i did not say i was going to boo him... But i am more then old enough to know Buffalonians from when i did live there...LOL

[rickshaw]

I think Jack will be booed because he crapped on the Sabres fans. If he would come out and say he’s sorry for that, it goes away. 

[msw2112]

Eichel doesn't owe Buffalo, the Sabres, or Sabres fans anything.  That said, perhaps the next time the Sabres play the Golden Knights, Eichel could say something in the press to the effect of "It's unfortunate that things didn't work out in Buffalo for me or the team, but I've moved on and am very happy where I am, and the Sabres have an exciting young team on the rise, so I wish them well.  I appreciate the Sabres willingness to faciliate a trade that allowed me to have the surgery I wanted and join a contender and I wish them no ill will going forward.  My emotions ran high the last couple of visits to Buffalo, but I had some great years there and, again, wish the Sabres and their great fans well.  They supported me through the early part of my career and I'll always apprecite it."

That would be the classy thing to do.  Will her?  I have no idea.  Eichel seems to have matured.  He's not at McDavid's talent level, but he still may have been the most skilled player on the ice during the finals and definitely contributed to his team's success in many ways.  He did things that he never did in Buffalo, like come back to help out on defense, block shots, etc.  He drew a lot of attention and made terrific passes throughout the finals, many of which ended up as goals.  He was definitely in the running for the Conn Smythe, but appeared genuinely happy for his teammate Marchessault when he won it.  I think that playing with veterans like Stone and the many others on that team, along with the highly competent coaching and management has rubbed off on him.

[Randall Flagg]

59 minutes ago, rickshaw said:

I think Jack will be booed because he crapped on the Sabres fans. If he would come out and say he’s sorry for that, it goes away. 

But he was booed before he did that lol

[shrader]

17 hours ago, eman said:

It hit the breaking point with the medical staff of the Sabres. Jack's Doctor's were correct about the surgery Jack wanted for his neck and the Sabres medical staff was wrong. Jack lost faith in the the teams medical staff and that severs any remaining goodwill with the organization. I liken it to the Lindros Philly situation with Eric's concussion issues. He didn't feel he was ready to return to the lineup while the Flyers medical staff said he was. Once a player loses faith with something so important to their career, the relationship is over. And as far as I'm concerned, good for Jack. Sometimes you do have to look out for your own best interests. Looks like it worked out well for him!

We're what, a year and a half in?  I don't know if I'm ready to call that one.  Eichel's got a lot of life left to live with that repaired neck and hopefully there aren't any/many long-term effects from that surgery and playing hockey after it.

[SabresBillsFan]

6 hours ago, In The Buff said:

Is this the 1st time Jack's been part of a team that has won something? Wait i believe he was part of the US Junior squad that took gold some 10 years ago.

You'd think a player as great as Jack would've had more team success to speak of in his career. The fact that he hasn't is a story in itself i suppose.

I'm sure he's ecstatic, but Vegas winning the Cup seems less to do about Jack & more to do with the rest of the Vegas squad. In fact, Vegas had they not made the trade very likely couldve won the Cup anyways with Tuch & Krebs on their roster. Did Jack really provide Vegas with more than what Tuch would've? But yes i was one of those rooting against him & Vegas. Im just glad he didn't win the Conn Smythe like ROR because that mightve been too much for me lol.

But I dont hate that he won & i wish him no ill will. I do wonder what to do with my Eichel jerseys tho. Figured keep 1 for posterity & maybe add a letter in front of his name? F might work. No ill will i swear haha

Head coach, Cassidy, I think was a huge influence on his game

[SwampD]

5 hours ago, LGR4GM said:

Exactly, the tank worked and the rebuild failed. Glad you finally understand because as you conclude "I don't see how anyone can think Vegas would've won the Cup without him."

You never fail to deliver. Wondered why it took so long this time.😂

[Taro T]

7 hours ago, Gatorman0519 said:

Sabres - Bills… zero 

Bills - 2 Championships.

Stampede - 1 Championship.

[eman]

8 hours ago, PromoTheRobot said:

Just not accurate.

feel free to correct my mistakes.

[eman]

2 hours ago, shrader said:

We're what, a year and a half in?  I don't know if I'm ready to call that one.  Eichel's got a lot of life left to live with that repaired neck and hopefully there aren't any/many long-term effects from that surgery and playing hockey after it.

It certainly got tested in the final. He took a couple of beauty crosschecks and got nailed by Tkachuk. So far, so good. Plus a Stanley Cup ring to boot and leading scorer in the playoffs. I think it's working out for him.

[PromoTheRobot]

29 minutes ago, eman said:

feel free to correct my mistakes.

Quote

It hit the breaking point with the medical staff of the Sabres. Jack's Doctor's were correct about the surgery Jack wanted for his neck and the Sabres medical staff was wrong. Jack lost faith in the the teams medical staff and that severs any remaining goodwill with the organization.

This is story the story the media spread around thanks to Jack's agents, so I understand why you think it's the absolute truth.  However it doesn't describe the situation in full.

Jack asked for a trade the season before his neck injury. Once that request was made, the Sabres had no incentive to risk a surgery that, up till then, was never performed on an NHL player. Great for Jack it all worked out but the result was not guaranteed and the Sabres would have been on the hook for the remaining $50-60 million left on his contract if the surgery did not work.

Furthermore, no team would make a sufficient offer for a Jack Eichel coming off experimental neck surgery unless they could see him play, and Jack was never going to skate for the Sabres again.

You conveniently left out the fact that Dr. Andrew Cappuccino is the Sabres neck and spine specialist. If you Google him, you'll find that he was the developer of the artificial disc replacement surgery that Jack wanted. And Dr. C. advised against it because no athlete in a collision sport like hockey ever had the procedure and there was no way to know if Jack's neck would hold up afterwards.

So, as much as it pains some of you to admit, Kevyn Adams did the absolute right thing leaving the decision on Jack's surgery to his new team. They trade for him, they assume the risk. For Vegas, it worked out brilliantly, and the Sabres got fair value in return. All sides happy...well mostly.

[Indabuff]

***** Eichel

That is all 

[eman]

51 minutes ago, PromoTheRobot said:

This is story the story the media spread around thanks to Jack's agents, so I understand why you think it's the absolute truth.  However it doesn't describe the situation in full.

Jack asked for a trade the season before his neck injury. Once that request was made, the Sabres had no incentive to risk a surgery that, up till then, was never performed on an NHL player. Great for Jack it all worked out but the result was not guaranteed and the Sabres would have been on the hook for the remaining $50-60 million left on his contract if the surgery did not work.

Furthermore, no team would make a sufficient offer for a Jack Eichel coming off experimental neck surgery unless they could see him play, and Jack was never going to skate for the Sabres again.

You conveniently left out the fact that Dr. Andrew Cappuccino is the Sabres neck and spine specialist. If you Google him, you'll find that he was the developer of the artificial disc replacement surgery that Jack wanted. And Dr. C. advised against it because no athlete in a collision sport like hockey ever had the procedure and there was no way to know if Jack's neck would hold up afterwards.

So, as much as it pains some of you to admit, Kevyn Adams did the absolute right thing leaving the decision on Jack's surgery to his new team. They trade for him, they assume the risk. For Vegas, it worked out brilliantly, and the Sabres got fair value in return. All sides happy...well mostly.

Oh I agree with what you're saying. But look at the end result. Vegas (a town known for it's "gambling") took a gamble on Jack and the advice that Jack's Doc's provided to them. I will bet you, funny enough, that we will see more of this surgery as the years go on. No way Jack was coming back to the Sabres, especially after this disagreement, regardless of whether he had requested a trade the season prior. The Sabres were under no obligation to trade Jack regardless of the wishes of himself or his agent. This medical mistrust sealed the deal, as did Lindros blaming Flyers medical for clearing him to return, even though he told them he didn't feel right and he felt it lead to his4th concussion soon therafter. Which lead to Bobby Clarke taking the C off him for going to the media about it. That ended that relationship. Dr. Cappuccino should have had more faith in his work. I am sure we will see more of it in the future. Anyhow, good for Jack, it all worked out for him and the Sabres seem to be rising with the pieces they got in return. I can't help but be happy for him. He matured in that organization. I wish it would have happened here.

 

Edited June 15, 2023 by eman

[PromoTheRobot]

2 minutes ago, eman said:

Oh I agree with what you're saying. But look at the end result. Vegas (a town known for it's "gambling") took a gamble on Jack and the advice that Jack's Doc's provided to them. I will bet you, funny enough, that we will see more of this surgery as the years go on. No way Jack was coming back to the Sabres, especially after this disagreement, regardless of whether he had requested a trade the season prior. The Sabres were under no obligation to trade Jack regardless of the wishes of himself or his agent. This medical mistrust sealed the deal, as did Lindros blaming Flyers medical for clearing him to return, even though he told them he didn't feel right and he felt it lead to hid 4th concusiion soon therafter. Which lead to Bobby Clarke taking the C off him for going to the media about it. That ended that relationship. Dr. Cappuccino should have had more faith in his work. I am sure we will see more of it in the future. Anyhow, good for Jack, it all worked out for him and the Sabres seem to be rising with the pieces they got in return. I can't help but be happy for him. He matured in that organization. I wish it would have happened here.

 

You say you agree with my but you still think Jack "lost faith" in the Sabres medical staff. Faith had nothing to do with it. The Sabres weren't going to allow neck surgery on a player who wanted out. I don't know how to react to the Dr. C "should have more faith in his work" comment. Good for Jack that it all worked out (so far) and I'm sure more players will follow. One, who I can't remember the name, already did. But it 2 NHL players with ADR surgeries doesn't guarantee success for everyone who comes after.

[eman]

23 minutes ago, PromoTheRobot said:

You say you agree with my but you still think Jack "lost faith" in the Sabres medical staff. Faith had nothing to do with it. The Sabres weren't going to allow neck surgery on a player who wanted out. I don't know how to react to the Dr. C "should have more faith in his work" comment. Good for Jack that it all worked out (so far) and I'm sure more players will follow. One, who I can't remember the name, already did. But it 2 NHL players with ADR surgeries doesn't guarantee success for everyone who comes after.

Look, what I'm saying is Dr. Cappuccino's invention? (again, just my opinion) may become the new normal for athletes. It's a game changer. You have to start somewhere and someone has to gamble on it. It worked out great for Jack. The Sabres and Jack's crew reached an impasse on this issue. He took a couple of serious crosschecks and a crushing hit by Tkachuk in the finals and seemed no worse for wear. Jack may be the guinea pig so to speak but if he has a lengthy career, he will be the poster boy for this type of surgery. All credit to Dr. Cappuccino. He may become even more reknowned than he is already. Someone performed that surgery and it wasn't Cappuccino. Was he swayed by the Sabres organization? Anyhow, so far, so good. I don't think Jack regrets a thing and really, why should he?

[PromoTheRobot]

3 minutes ago, eman said:

Look, what I'm saying is Dr. Cappuccino's invention? (again, just my opinion) may become the new normal for athletes. It's a game changer. You have to start somewhere and someone has to gamble on it. It worked out great for Jack. The Sabres and Jack's crew reached an impasse on this issue. He took a couple of serious crosschecks and a crushing hit by Tkachuk in the finals and seemed no worse for wear. Jack may be the guinea pig so to speak but if he has a lengthy career, he will be the poster boy for this type of surgery. All credit to Dr. Cappuccino. He may become even more reknowned than he is already. Someone performed that surgery and it wasn't Cappuccino. Was he swayed by the Sabres organization? Anyhow, so far, so good. I don't think Jack regrets a thing and really, why should he?

Never said Jack regretted anything. If anything it worked out perfect for him. Things are good with us too.