Sabres’ Eichel focused on hockey, not contract talks
BUFFALO, N.Y. » Sabres star center Jack Eichel is focused on taking on a larger leadership role, and not concerning himself with contract talks — even it means waiting until next year to sign a new deal.
“I have no problem playing the season out and just trying to earn whatever,” Eichel said Tuesday. “We know where we stand. We know where the Sabres stand. If it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen.”
Eichel also reiterated his commitment to staying in Buffalo on a long-term basis. He spoke after taking part in his first on-ice session with numerous teammates in Buffalo a little over a week before the Sabres open training camp.
The 20-year-old is entering the final season of his three-year rookie contract, and in line for what is projected to be a lucrative contract extension.
A person with direct knowledge of talks told The Associated Press last month that both sides have discussed a contract spanning an NHL-maximum eight seasons . The same person told The AP on Tuesday that negotiations haven’t stopped since the two sides formally opened talks in June.
Buffalo selected Eichel with the No. 2 pick in the 2015 draft, one spot behind Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid, who earned NHL MVP honors last season. In July, McDavid cashed in by signing eight-year, $100 million contract, which will make him the league’s top-paid player on a per-season basis for the start of the 2018-19 season.
Eichel is not surprised he hasn’t yet agreed to contract extension, and has instead spent the summer focusing on hockey.
“I looked at my summer as preparation for the biggest year of my career so far,” he said. “And that’s the way I’ll continue to look at it.”
This season represents a fresh start for Eichel and the Sabres, who underwent an offseason overhaul after extending their franchise-worst playoff drought to sixth year. General manager Tim Murray and coach Dan Bylsma were fired in April, and replaced by Jason Botterill and Phil Housley.
Eichel was frustrated over last season’s finish, and acknowledged he needs to be better in various aspects, including leadership.
“I look at myself to be one of the leaders on this team, and a guy who’s going to push this organization to the next level,” he said. “If that’s going to be the case, then I’ve got to be a guy that everyone leans on. And I’ve got to be better in or off the ice.”
Eichel led Buffalo with 57 points (24 goals, 33 assists) in 61 games last year despite missing the first 21 games of the season with a sprained left ankle. all aspects of hockey, on
Sabres’ Okposo eager to look forward now that he’s healthy
BUFFALO, N.Y. » Buffalo forward Kyle Okposo happily looks to the future now that he’s fully recovered from concussion-related symptoms which nearly derailed his career in March.
Saying he’s not dwelling on the past, Okposo was eager to rejoin the Sabres after skating with numerous teammates for practice a little more than a week before the team opens training camp. Though he’s has been skating for much of the summer, Tuesday marked his first time on the ice in Buffalo since being hospitalized late last season.
“It was obviously a tough situation, a tough road,” Okposo said. “I’m just happy to be back and happy to be able to play again, and play at a high level.”
Rangers hire Leetch, Richards as hockey operations advisers
NEW YORK » The New York Rangers have hired former players Brian Leetch and Brad Richards as advisers.
General manager Jeff Gorton announced the hires Tuesday.
Leetch and Richards will work on prospect development and assist with on-ice development for the Rangers and their top affiliate, the American Hockey League’s Hartford Wolf Pack.