Jack Eichel Traded to Golden Knights

Buffalo Sabres center Jack Eichel in 2017
Buffalo Sabres center Jack Eichel in 2017. Photo by Daniel Lea/CSM/REX/Shutterstock (8377325q)

The Las Vegas Knights confirmed the signing of centre Jack Eichel on Thursday morning. In exchange for Eichel’s signature, Peyton Krebs, Alex Tuch, a future first-round draft pick, and a future second-rounder were traded to the Buffalo Sabres. The Sabres are not liable for any further salary payouts, the team confirmed.

According to multiple sources, the Golden Knights managed to beat out the Calgary Flames in the race for Eichel. The Flames were also deep into talks with the Sabres over a potential trade.

Eichel began his NHL career with the Sabres, selected as the number two pick overall in the 2015 NHL Draft. While in the fourth year of an eight-year contract, Eichel’s relationship with the franchise deteriorated due to a disagreement over the best way to treat a herniated disk in his neck.

While the Sabres wanted Eichel to undergo fusion surgery, the player prefered the route of an artificial disk replacement. According to the NHL collective bargaining agreement, the team has the final say on how an injury is treated.

Vegas, on the other hand, was willing to permit Eichel to undergo his preferred surgery, which has never in history been performed on an active NHL player.