AP sources: Eichel switching agents amid dispute with Sabres
BUFFALO, N.Y. — With his future in Buffalo uncertain, Sabres captain Jack Eichel is changing agents while in the midst of a long-standing dispute with the team over how to treat a neck injury, four people with direct knowledge of the player’s decision told The Associated Press on Friday. The people spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity because the paperwork for Eichel to switch agents is in the process of being submitted to the NHL Players’ Association. Sportsnet.ca first reported the development.
Eichel has chosen to go with Creative Artists Agency’s Pat Brisson, who represents numerous high-profile NHL players, including Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, Toronto’s
John Tavares and Colorado’s Nathan Mackinnon. Eichel had been represented by Peter Fish and Peter Donatelli of the Massachusetts-based firm of Global Hockey Consultants. One of the people said the Sabres have been notified of Eichel’s decision to drop Global Hockey, but have not yet been contacted by the player’s new representatives.
The switch comes with Eichel’s future in limbo over a herniated disk that has sidelined him since early March, and with the player questioning whether he wants to continue playing for Buffalo. The ever-widening rift has led to the Sabres attempting to trade Eichel over the past few months.