Insider says deal for Jack Eichel could include another big name going the other way

As the Sabres continue to work on a deal that would get their star player Jack Eichel out of Buffalo, no other team has been linked to the 24-year-old centre more than the New York Rangers. The Blueshirts have made some big additions the last couple of seasons, and adding a name like Eichel could put them back in playoff contention. As for the return, one Insider believes a big name will go the other way as well.

Just tossing this out there as I head for some vacation time," said The Athletic's Rick Carpiniello. "DO NOT be surprised if Mika Zibanejad is in the deal that ultimately brings Jack Eichel to NYR."

Zibanejad is in the final year of a contract that carries an annual cap hit of $5.35 million. An article written by Larry Brooks of the New York Post near the end of July stated Zibanejad wants his new contract to be comparable to Eichel's current deal, which is $10 million per season. He also reportedly wants seven or eight years. This might be a tough pill for the Rangers to swallow as Zibanejad is 28 years old.

The reason Eichel hasn't been moved yet is because Sabres GM Kevyn Adams believes he hasn't been made the right offer. Certainly someone of Zibanejad's talent could help turn the tide. However, Buffalo is obviously in a full rebuild mode and the best years of Zibanejad's contract would be squandered while the team finishes near the bottom of the league. That said, it would be tough for the Rangers to have both Zibanejad and Eichel with both making $10 million per season. They already have Artemi Panarin, who is one of the highest paid players in the league.

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