Good morning Toronto Maple Leafs fans!
All day yesterday we were teased with the news that a Jack Eichel trade away from the Buffalo Sabres was imminent, and then nothing happened. This is just like every season Eichel’s been in Buffalo: Teases that something great will happen, then you’re disappointed.
The Vegas Golden Knights have been the big suitor for Eichel - they have an owner who wants to win now and loves to make splashy moves to draw attention. We also got the Calgary Flames involved, which was a bit surprising to me. Then we saw a rumoured offer:
For all asking, my understanding is the @NHLFlames have Tkachuk ( who is a future potential captain) an upcoming 1 Rd pick, a former 1st Rd pick, and 2 prospects in the Eichel sweepstakes with the @BuffaloSabres . @espn @NHLNetwork #HockeyTwitter .
— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) November 3, 2021
Now that is a trade package. As much as I hate Matthew Tkachuk for what he did in my own OHL teams arena, that would be a huge move for the Flames to trade him away. Why wouldn’t the Sabres jump at this. Two firsts as well? Take it! Take it!
But...what if this was just a leak to make Vegas up the ante? Also, why is this ramping up with fake rumours now? John Vogl out of Buffalo may have an answer:
I hear the Sabres are feeling added external pressure (not grievance related) to get a deal done today.
— John Vogl (@BuffaloVogl) November 3, 2021
Who involved in the NHL, outside of Buffalo, could be pressuring the Sabres to make the trade now? A deal so huge, in a market so obsessed with hockey, that it would take over the entire hockey news cycle?
Ah.
We’re all so excited about this possible deal, and then someone with “sources” and “reliability in his market” and “Knows Keith Tkachuk” threw cold water on all of us:
Can squash the Matthew Tkachuk to Buffalo talk. #Flames #Sabres
— Andy Strickland (@andystrickland) November 4, 2021
All of this build up and nothing to show for it.
Right?
Update:
Interesting start to the morning. @TheInstigator76 is correct. Jack Eichel has been traded to @GoldenKnights. Alex Tuch and picks part of the deal. Details to come. Trade call pending.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) November 4, 2021
Here’s some actual news:
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#NJDevils defender PK Subban will have a hearing today for tripping Trevor Zegras. #FlyTogether pic.twitter.com/tjH0EHe8OM
— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) November 3, 2021
PK Subban was fined for slew footing Trevor Zegras.
Rodion Amirov looks so... cozy.
— KHL (@khl_eng) November 3, 2021
(📷 @hcsalavat) pic.twitter.com/jkeFhqqZYf
Lookit this little prospect.
Finally, let’s take another look at Topi Niemelä:
Enjoy your day everyone!
