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Okay, Let's Talk Eichel

July 27, 2021, 11:01 AM ET [76 Comments]
John Gove
Calgary Flames Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
I have to be honest. I have been purposely avoiding the Jack Eichel to Calgary conversation. In a saga that seems never-ending, I thought for sure that once I put together an Eichel post, he would immediately get traded somewhere other than the Flames. Of course, I still run that risk. However, I cannot avoid the topic any longer.

We all know Jack Eichel wants out of Buffalo. At this point, the Sabres are probably ready to wash their hands of him as well. Remarkably though, we still remain without a transaction. Though Calgary has not been reported as one of the "major players" in the Eichel sweepstakes, they are a team that has reportedly "kicked the can" a few times on the idea.

With Buffalo feeling more pressure than ever to put all of this behind them, interested teams are likely sending in their "last offers," hoping it's enough to bring the 2015 second-overall pick to their organization. Obviously, some teams will be a bit more aggressive than others. The big question is, should Calgary be one of those teams?

To me, there is only one logical answer to that question. Yes.

Let's first about Eichel, the player. Putting aside the health question, which is important, there is no denying that he is an elite talent in the NHL that brings with him star-studded excitement and marketability. When healthy, he is, more often than not, the best player on the ice and would undoubtedly be Calgary's most talented player.

Now the injury side of things is a cause for concern. It would be most unfortunate if a team paid a premium for Eichel's services only for him to be sidelined long-term or suffer a dip in his productivity. However, all signs point to him being on track for a full recovery. Yes, there is risk involved, but the Flames are a team that needs to be willing to take that risk.

We have already discussed countless times Calgary's need to shake things up. Currently quiet and complacent, Brad Treliving needs to make a splash. There is no bigger splash than acquiring Jack Eichel. Of course, it would not address every need, but a trade of that magnitude would certainly signify a change of attitude throughout the organization.

What's the worst that could happen if acquiring Eichel backfires? Treliving and Darryl Suter lose their jobs? The team enters a full rebuild mode?

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there's a 50/50 chance of that happening anyway. If this team fails next season, with or without Eichel, major change throughout the franchise will take place.

Going all-in on a player, the caliber of Jack Eichel demonstrates an organization willing to do whatever it takes to turn the tides and start winning consistently. Nobody would fault Treliving for taking a risk in bringing him to Calgary. On the flip side, he will receive all of the blame if he maintains his complacent attitude, banking on the "run it back" mentality.
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