Odds on Jack Eichel’s Next Team – Rangers Top the List as Favorites

• Odds have been released on which team Jack Eichel might land next.
• Oddsmakers list the New York Rangers as the favorite at +200 with Los Angeles close at +300.
• See the odds below, along with an analysis of Eichel and where he may end up.

The Buffalo Sabres and Jack Eichel have had some issues lately. Jack Eichel had acknowledged there is a disconnect between him and the Buffalo Sabres. General manager Kevyn Adams claims that Eichel has not requested a trade at all and that Eichel remains committed to the Buffalo Sabres. However, odds have been released on where Eichel will land next, and Buffalo is not one of the options.

Let’s take a look at the teams where Jack Eichel could end up next.

Odds on Jack Eichel’s Next Team

Odds as of May 13th 

Why Are the New York Rangers the Favorite?

The New York Rangers have the marquis name and lineup that Eichel is undoubtedly looking for. He would also be a fit as New York would ideally like Mika Zibanejad as their number two center. The forward has been on a steady trajectory when it comes to points per game up until this season.

Eichel feels like he has been carrying Buffalo his entire career. With the multitude of coaches and the overall losing culture, the Captain has grown more frustrated. Furthermore, a move to a team that could be close like the New York Rangers only boosts his chances of playing playoff hockey.

There is also the idea that maybe closer access to better health care would allow Eichel to get the surgery he wants. The neck procedure has never been performed on an NHL player before. Maybe New York would be more open to that where Buffalo team doctors have not been. A 12-week window for conservative therapy would end the first week of June. Maybe then, New York makes a pitch for Eichel. Some say the cap space is not there to afford Eichel’s $10 million AAV, but one never knows. New York might even try salary retention and add a sweetener to any deal.

How About the Los Angeles Kings?

The Los Angeles Kings (+300) are a team that has the cap space to easily make such a deal with the Buffalo Sabres. Unlike New York, not as many moving parts would be needed, and no retention is needed. Los Angeles has the prospects which the Rangers do not possess. Also, it appears Los Angeles has inquired before.

NEW: Frank Seravalli on TSN’s Insider Trading is reporting that the Los Angeles Kings had conversations with the Buffalo Sabres before the deadline regarding Jack Eichel.#GoKingsGo #LetsGoBuffalo

— Russell Morgan (@NHLRussell) May 11, 2021

The question becomes is Eichel willing to go to Los Angeles. Something to be considered is that the Buffalo pivot’s no-move clause does not kick in until the 2022-23 season. Currently, Eichel can be traded anywhere. So, if the Kings make an offer that Kevyn Adams cannot say no to, then Eichel could end up in LA.

What About Some of the Longer Shots?

The Boston Bruins would be intriguing simply because of the proximity of where Eichel grew up in North Chelmsford, Massachusetts. Boston has a pathway to at least make a trade possible. They would have to let Taylor Hall walk probably and David Krejci as well.

.@FriedgeHNIC gives his early thoughts on who could end up behind the bench for the #NYR next season. #NHLNow pic.twitter.com/biatOzRx2H

— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) May 12, 2021

It is an interesting theory by Elliotte Friedman on Eichel, but it appears Boston does not have the trade pieces to make such a deal for the Buffalo center.

The other teams do not make much sense. Toronto has too much money committed to their top-four forwards already. Arizona is revamping. Calgary likely rebuilds or retools relatively soon. Minnesota will not spend that kind of money on Eichel with Zach Parise and Ryan Suter still on the books. Chicago might be an interesting possibility, but how long does the Jonathan Toews situation play out?

Even though Los Angeles makes the most sense, New York is still the frontrunner for now.

Best Bet: New York Rangers (+200)