The hockey world has been spinning round-and-round with Jack Eichel trade scenarios for over six months now. As time has gone on, the optimism the Buffalo Sabres could cash in and get a haul for the franchise center has dwindled.
ESPN NHL analyst Kevin Weekes has brought that hope back a bit with what he tweeted about the Calgary Flames on Wednesday. Weekes says he's hearing the Flames have offered forward Matthew Tkachuk and up to four additional assets, including an upcoming first round pick, in a potential package for Eichel.
With an offer that good, why isn't the deal done yet?
One reason could be whether or not Tkachuk would sign an extension in Buffalo. There were rumblings about Tkachuk wanting out of Calgary this summer, as he has just one more restricted free agent contract coming his way before hitting unrestricted free agent status. He can become an unrestricted free agent in 2023.
The Sabres could make a deal involving Tkachuk even if he did not want to sign. There's always the possibility of flipping him to another team for more picks and prospects.
As to which prospects could be in play from the Flames, the most notable player is the 13th overall selection in the 2021 NHL Draft,Matthew Coronato. He has six points in his first two games this season at Harvard University.
The Flames have many former first round picks on their roster, so it's anyone's guess as to which of Sean Monahan (2013), Elias Lindholm (2013), Noah Hanifin (2015), Nikita Zadorov (2013), Mikael Backlund (2007), Trevor Lewis (2006), Erik Gubranson (2010), Juuso Valimaki (2017), Jakob Pelletier (2019) or Connor Zary (2020) could be involved.
