In terms of need and cap space, the Bruins would be interested in Eichel. David Krejci, 35, will be an unrestricted free agent after this season. Patrice Bergeron, 35, is signed through 2022. Charlie Coyle churned through a 28-game goal-scoring drought, most of it as the No. 3 center.
Eichel would give the Bruins a long-term go-to center to succeed Krejci and Bergeron. For 2021-22, the Bruins could even roll a flammable No. 2 line of Eichel with former linemate Taylor Hall, provided they re-sign the ex-Sabre.
If the Bruins do not re-sign Krejci and Tuukka Rask, they’ll have $14.25 million coming off their books. They’ll also be free of David Backes’ $1.5 million retained salary. Eichel carries a $10 million average annual value through 2026.
As for the return, this is where things get sticky for the Bruins. Buffalo general manager Kevyn Adams would start the conversation with either Charlie McAvoy or David Pastrnak. It would not be a one-for-one chat.
“I think you’re looking at McAvoy and (Trent) Frederic, probably minimum,” one NHL source said earlier this year. “Minimum.”
Neither McAvoy nor Pastrnak, especially when paired with additional assets, is a player the Bruins want to dangle. McAvoy, 23, is the Bruins’ No. 1 defenseman. Pastrnak, 24, is the No. 1 right wing.
The Bruins’ issue is the paucity of secondary assets that would pique Buffalo’s interest. Had Jake DeBrusk played at expected level this season, it’s possible the left wing could have been a building block for a package that included additional picks and prospects. But the 24-year-old is parked on five goals and eight assists in 39 games. It is likely the 2015 first-rounder will start the playoffs on the fourth line.
Eichel would give the Bruins a long-term go-to center to succeed Krejci and Bergeron. For 2021-22, the Bruins could even roll a flammable No. 2 line of Eichel with former linemate Taylor Hall, provided they re-sign the ex-Sabre.
If the Bruins do not re-sign Krejci and Tuukka Rask, they’ll have $14.25 million coming off their books. They’ll also be free of David Backes’ $1.5 million retained salary. Eichel carries a $10 million average annual value through 2026.
As for the return, this is where things get sticky for the Bruins. Buffalo general manager Kevyn Adams would start the conversation with either Charlie McAvoy or David Pastrnak. It would not be a one-for-one chat.
“I think you’re looking at McAvoy and (Trent) Frederic, probably minimum,” one NHL source said earlier this year. “Minimum.”
Neither McAvoy nor Pastrnak, especially when paired with additional assets, is a player the Bruins want to dangle. McAvoy, 23, is the Bruins’ No. 1 defenseman. Pastrnak, 24, is the No. 1 right wing.
The Bruins’ issue is the paucity of secondary assets that would pique Buffalo’s interest. Had Jake DeBrusk played at expected level this season, it’s possible the left wing could have been a building block for a package that included additional picks and prospects. But the 24-year-old is parked on five goals and eight assists in 39 games. It is likely the 2015 first-rounder will start the playoffs on the fourth line.
