NHL Trade Rumors: Will Eichel Be Traded By Labor Day? Bruins Still Interested?

The Boston Bruins continue to monitor the NHL trade market and like so many NHL teams, they’re still paying attention to the Jack Eichel saga with the Buffalo Sabres. Could a trade for the second overall pick at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft occur earlier than expected now?

This past Sunday, NHL Insider for The Fourth Period, David Pagnotta reported that at the earliest, Eichel wouldn’t be dealt until Labor Day (Sept. 6), and also was the first to break the news that, as of Sunday, the Sabres captain had not had surgery to repair a herniated disc. Of course, that surgery has been a gigantic bone of contention between Eichel, his representatives Peter Fish, and Peter Donatelli, and the Sabres. As Pagnotta’s sources told him, sources have confirmed to Boston Hockey Now that Eichel has not wavered on having the artificial disc replacement that the Sabres are steadfastly against still. That contention though, as Pagnotta’s sources told him, is not necessarily present on the NHL trade market in acquiring the former Boston University and 2015 Hobey Baker Award winner.

In the last week, two NHL sources close to the Eichel saga have confirmed to BHN that while things have been quiet with Eichel on the NHL trade front, there has been chatter that both Eichel and the Sabres decided they want this resolved ASAP and not let it drag into training camp.

“They’ve made it clear that it’s very much in the interest of both parties to not let this drag into training camp, the preseason, and potentially beyond,” one NHL executive told BHN this past Tuesday. “They’re starting to realize this has gotten beyond repair and a resolution ASAP benefits all involved.”

That goes in line with what BHN’s most trusted sources said on Thursday afternoon.

“They are all so done with this sh*t, trust me,” the source exclaimed. “I’m not saying it happens but I know everyone is hoping something goes down in the next two weeks.”

As for how the Bruins may still be involved in this? Could they, despite their lack of the, at least four assets, that the Sabres are still demanding, still try and bring the North Chelmsford, MA native off the NHL trade market and back home to play for his hometown team?

“I don’t think they’re frontrunners but of course they’re still keeping tabs,” the same source said. “I still think the Rangers are right there but I really wouldn’t count anyone out. Despite his health, Jack is still a hot commodity.”

Things have been quiet on the NHL trade rumor circuit but it appears as Labor Day weekend approaches they could heat up and Eichel will be right in the thick of it once again.