Sources told ESPN that Jack Eichel's team is trying to persuade Buffalo Sabres management not to deny him his preferred surgery.
Eichel, 24, has an injured disk in his neck and it is urgent that it be treated as soon as possible. Eichel initially hoped that the Sabres would trade Eichel to a team that would permit him to have a replacement surgery for his disk. Since Eichel has never had a disk replaced on an NHL player, the Sabres would prefer Eichel to have fusion surgery. The NHL collective bargaining rules allow teams to decide how injuries are treated.
According to sources, Eichel was being traded by five teams as recently as last week. However, Buffalo has maintained its high asking price despite the uncertainty surrounding Eichel's health, which has cooled trade discussions.
Eichel has been visiting different doctors over the past few weeks to get medical opinions supporting his desire to have a disk replacement surgery. Sources say Eichel's camp will present this information to Buffalo management this week in the hope that they will change their mind.
Eichel might next file a grievance. This would be considered the last resort.
Eichel failed his physical, and is currently on Sabres' injured reserve. Buffalo removed Eichel from his captaincy and there is a chance that he will not be able to get a spot on Team USA's roster for the 2022 Olympics. The Sabres selected Eichel with the No. Eichel was the No. 2 pick in 2015's draft. He signed a $80 million, eight-year deal in 2017, making him the highest-paid franchise player.
