Rumor: New York Rangers Make New Trade Offer for Jack Eichel

The New York Rangers have been talking to the Buffalo Sabres for over a year when it comes to a Jack Eichel trade and it turns out they have changed their course on a few of the players they are willing to include in the deal.

According to Rangers reporter Rick Carpiniello the Rangers are open to moving a key piece out in the deal:

Just tossing this out there as I head for some vacation time ... DO NOT be surprised if Mika Zibanejad is in the deal that ultimately brings Jack Eichel to #NYR

Zibanejad is an interesting name here because of the fact he's 28 and has only one season left on his deal before he heads to unrestricted free agency. While he could become the #1 center in Buffalo, it's extremely unlikely he would be interested in re-signing and joining a rebuild at the prime of his career. Another factor here, Zibanejad has a no-movement clause so it's going to take some convincing to get him to waive the protection. While he could be dealt to Buffalo, another team could be involved here.

From all accounts it sounds like the Eichel deal will take place in August or early September as the Sabres want to know exactly who is coming to training camp. While some names have been tossed around numerous times as these trade talks have been ongoing for awhile now, word is the Sabres are looking for a combination of Kaapo Kakko, Alexandar Georgiev or Alexis Lafreniere to be included in the deal. 

At this point it appears Eichel is either going to the Rangers, LA Kings, Boston Bruins or Anaheim Ducks. One things for sure, he has no future in Buffalo and that's totally fine with him. 

Photo credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports