[mile]

I think it was Larry Brooks who talked about this?
https://nypost.com/2021/07/31/kaapo-...l-sweepstakes/

As the Jack Eichel Saga descends into scorched earth territory, with the center’s agents releasing a statement calling out the Buffalo organization while general manager Kevyn Adams attempts to pretend leverage is on his side, it occurs that the Sabres could come out of this whole if they are willing to retain 50 percent of the center’s cap hit in a trade.

Because if Eichel is only going to count at $5 million against the cap the remaining five years of his contract, then the Rangers would be in position to extend Mika Zibanejad in the $9 million range and present a powerhouse one-two punch down the middle for the foreseeable future.

Our latest information is that Vegas, though strenuously cap-strapped, remains serious about making a deal for Eichel. Indeed, even while adding a net $3.3 million to the cap in acquiring Evgenii Dadonov from the Senators in exchange for Nick Holden, Golden Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon may have been preparing to send multiple assets the other way.

The Fourth Period also talks about this:
https://www.thefourthperiod.com/pagn...work-the-lines

There was some noise Saturday evening that Buffalo might be willing to retain part of Eichel’s $10 million cap hit to help facilitate a trade and maximize a return. The Sabres aren’t afraid to spend money, but I’m not so sure eating part of a 24-year-old superstar’s contract for the next five seasons is the most calculated move. An argument can be made that while the Sabres rebuild, they’ll have enough cap space to go around – at least until the cap starts to climb again in a few seasons. Nevertheless, it’ll come down to price and what teams are willing to pay.

A $7 million Jack Eichel is more attractive than a $10 million Jack Eichel. A $5 million Jack Eichel gets all 31 other teams back to the table. But what’s the cost?

The New York Rangers are absolutely interested in Eichel, confirmed multiple sources, none of whom believe (as of Saturday night) a trade is imminent. The Anaheim Ducks, Vegas Golden Knights, Calgary Flames, Boston Bruins and Columbus Blue Jackets are also interested. Will the Minnesota Wild circle back? Will other teams reengage, especially if the Sabres are willing to retain some salary? It sounds like it.