Odds on Where Jack Eichel Will Play in 2020-21 NHL Season – Sabres Listed as Favorites

• As Jack Eichel’s is connected with trade rumors, the Buffalo Sabres are still favored to retain him at -400
• At +400, the New York Rangers are considered the likely destination if he is traded
• See the full odds and analysis for where Jack Eichel could end up for the 2020-21 NHL season

Buffalo Sabres captain Jack Eichel’s name is in the trade rumor mill, but the Sabres are still heavy favorites at -400 to keep their star performer.

Since the rumors emerged, Eichel’s agent said his client has not requested a trade and the Sabres have made it clear that they are not shopping him. The explanation for the rumors is teams have called to ask about Eichel’s availability and the Sabres merely listened to their pitches.

However, the prop bet about where Eichel will be playing when the 2020-21 season is out there. The New York Rangers at +400 own the second-best odds.

Odds Where Jack Eichel Will Play in 2020-21

Odds taken Oct. 1.

Rangers Could Be Perfect Trading Partner for Sabres

The Rangers will be first in line if the Sabres become serious about dealing Eichel. New York general manager Jeff Gorton is looking to add another elite center to play in the team’s top-six forwards. An Eichel-Mika Zibanejad center combination would be formidable.

In five NHL seasons, Eichel has never scored fewer than 24 goals. A strong skater, scorer, and passer, Eichel had a career-high 36 last season. The Rangers have a handful of scoring wingers, including Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, Kaapo Kakko, and Filip Chytil among others. They also own the number one draft pick and are expected to select scoring winger Alexis Lafreniere.

Boasting several quality young players, the Rangers could put together an attractive multi-player and draft pick package. This package could be built around defenseman Anthony DeAngelo, goalie Alexander Georgiev and one of their prized young forwards, to offer for Eichel.

Jack Eichel By The Numbers

*Career season average

Canadiens Would Be the Darkhorse Contender

Last offseason, the Canadiens wanted a center badly enough that they presented restricted free agent Sebastian Aho an offer sheet. However, it didn’t work because the Carolina Hurricanes matched their offer.

That being said, the boldness of that effort suggests the Canadiens would be aggressive in the pursuit of Eichel. The Sabres would want top prospects Cole Caufield and Alexander Romanov as part of any deal. Eichel is still only 23.

The Flyers, with a good collection of young talent, are another team that could put together an attractive offer for Eichel. However, they will want the Sabres to take back a good chunk of money.

Other teams on the draft lists might have problems making an Eichel deal work. The Devils probably don’t have the assets unless the Devils were willing to give up Jack Hughes in the deal. The Lightning have a multitude of salary cap issues. In fact, they might have to move two or three of their regulars to get under the cap by the start of the 2020-21 season.

According to @TSNBobMcKenzie, the Rangers tried to trade for Jack Eichel, but discussions didn't go far #NYR #Sabres https://t.co/PEXwPYB8fb

— Puck Prose (@Puck_Prose) September 28, 2020

Eichel Will be Watching Sabres’ Moves Closely

The only reason why we are even discussing the possibility of Eichel being traded is because Eichel hasn’t been pleased by the lack of progress toward building the Sabres into a winner. He has expressed his frustration, and who can blame him. Eichel has never been in the playoffs. In fact, the Sabres haven’t qualified for the postseason since 2011.

If the Sabres, with new GM Kevyn Adams in charge, don’t do much this offseason, is it possible that the Eichel-Sabres relationship deteriorates to the point that a trade makes sense for both parties?

The potential of that scenario occurring is enough to inspire a prop bet on where Eichel will play in the upcoming season.

“I hear that (trade talk) a lot,” Eichel’s agent Peter Fish said. “Jack wants to win, he’s frustrated (not winning) but, no, he doesn’t want out. Jack is preparing to head to Buffalo at some point here and prepare for the season, whenever that may be. That’s all he controls.”

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) September 28, 2020

Sabres Are Still The Best Bet

Eichel staying put is the most likely occurrence. Fans have already lost faith in owner Terry Pegula. Buffalo is a strong hockey city, but Pegula would lose season ticket holders if Eichel is dealt. A team rarely wins the trade of a superstar.

A recent contract-related payment given Eichel also supports the idea that he is staying. If they were planning to deal him, they would have done it before the payment.

Best Bet: Buffalo Sabres (-400)