Morning Skate: On the move

Happy Thursday! The weekend is in sight. I believe in you.

Wednesday’s big story in NHL circles involved a Massachusetts native, one who has never been a Bruin, but many would love to see in black and gold.

Yes, it’s Jack Eichel, who appears to be well on his way out of Buffalo (lucky kid).

Tension has been high between Eichel and Buffalo for months now, mainly over the team’s alleged treatment (or lack thereof) of his injury and probably aided by a healthy dose of “I’m sick of losing.”

The reason Eichel is back in the news is because The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reports that conversations surrounding Eichel are really heating up.

It appears that Eichel leaving Buffalo prior to the start of next season is a foregone conclusion at this point, which is a bad hit for the Sabres.

After landing Taylor Hall and heading into last season with Hall, Eichel, Eric Staal, and Jeff Skinner, among others, some people wondered if the Sabres might be a high-powered playoff bubble team (lol).

Instead, Hall is gone, Staal is gone, Eichel is leaving, and Skinner has six more seasons at a cap hit of $9 million per season, with an NMC.

Hey, at least the Bills are good again!

Today’s discussion topic

Barring something truly remarkable, the Bruins won’t be involved in Eichelmania. Which team do you see winning the Eichel Sweepstakes?