I haven't really chimed in on any potential Eichel deal yet. But I've watched a ton of Eichel the last few years and I'd rank him in the top 5 centerman in the league no questions asked.
Because of his health and the relationship with the Sabres, you are going to get a player of his caliber for less than you would normally. In fact, the Sabres know this and I'm sure are less than pleased with the situation, I'd have to believe they would rather keep Eichel than trade him.
Players of his caliber just aren't on the market very often. I still believe that the Flames are a better team than they were last year, and so I'd be willing to take the risk to get a player of Eichels ilk, even at the 4 futures price the Sabres are quoting. I think it allows us a window of 5 years to fine-tune a contender. Obviously I'm assuming Johnny is re-signing otherwise no sense in Eichel.
I like Monahan's potential to rebound. I like the chances of Dube and Mangiapane to continue to elevate their game into true top 6 players next season. And I think very highly of Pelletier, Zary and Coronato enough to think they will be valuable ELC players in the re-opening of Calgary's window through an Eichel trade.
I'd go:
Tkachuk
Valimaki
2022 First
And if the Lottery protection on the 1st is a dealbreaker, than I likely give in and don't worry about it because I feel super confident the Flames easily the playoffs next season with the following roster and Sutter coaching.
Gaudreau-Eichel-Lindholm
Dube-Monahan-Mangiapane
Pelletier-Backlund-Coleman
Lucic-Gawdin-Pitlick
Hanifin-Tanev
Andersson- UFA
Mackey-Stone
Kylington
Markstrom
UFA
|