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As part of a bigger discussion about 2017 Buffalo Bills training camp, which opened yesterday, Bills and Sabres owner Kim Pegula was asked by Ashley Rowe to weigh in on the status of the ongoing Jack Eichel contract negotiations.
"There's continued conversations. I leave that stuff up to our GM, Jason. But, I do know that it is a priority for us and we are hoping that we can come to some type of agreement. We still have some time though. You know? So, I know it feels like Jack has only been with us for two years believe it or not and time goes by really fast. It's certainly a priority".
When Kim Pegula speaks, people listen. Kim Pegula is not one to pontificate and speculate. She is all business. She's just as plugged in to the daily business of the Bills as s Sabres as her husband Terry is.
During a @wkbw exclusive, Kim Pegula addresses Jack Eichel contract talks. The #Sabres owner calls it a "priority" #eichel #buffalo pic.twitter.com/C9iJ80cytL
— Ashley Rowe (@AshleyroweWKBW) July 28, 2017
On the day that Nashville re-signs RFA forward Ryan Johansen for 8 years and $8M AAV per copy, The market for Eichel has been set.
Connor McDavid: $12.5M AAV Ryan Johansen: $8M AAV
I've said it before and will say it again. Jack Eichel is going to be a $10M AAV guy.
8 years, $80 million is not far away, Jack.
Johansen, the 4th overall pick at the 2010 NHL Draft, will turn 25 next week. His best statistical season of his career was 26 goals and 45 assists for Columbus in 2014-15.
Meanwhile at the arena pic.twitter.com/SedzAmYwzg
— SabresBuzz (@SabresBuzz) July 28, 2017
**
Wondering where Buffalo Sabres GM Jason Botterill is today?
It's Shark Week and "Bots" is strapped in his seat.
Botterill has set the hook and is patiently reeling in prize great white.
Genus: Jack
Species: Eichel
Eichel is entering the final year of his entry level contract. In July 1, the 20 year old generational center became eligible to negotiate his next mult-year, multi-million contract.
Botterill has been asked several times this summer about the Eichel contract extension. Each time, he has said that the talks without Eichel's agent are ongoing and that he would like to get a deal done sooner than later.
Last month, the Edmonton Oilers locked up their generational center and captain Connor McDavid with a spanking new 8-year, $100 million mega contract.
The Eichel deal is the comparable that Botterill and Camp Eichel are using to finalize Jack's new deal.
I've been saying with confidence for the past seven months that Eichel will be signing a new 8-year, $80 million contract this summer. I'm still standing by my prognostication.
On Thursday, Botterill chummed up the shark infested waters by signing one of Eichel's best friends, forward Evan Rodrigues.
Rodrigues was an RFA.
Rodrigues is having one helluva month of July. He got married last week. He signed a new contract yesterday and he turned 24 years old today.
Suffice to say, re-signing Rodrigues to a nice two year extension pleases Eichel.
Rodrigues is now the owner of a two-year contract with the Sabres. ERod will earn $650,000 per season, with the first season being a two-way contract. Year two is a one-way deal.
Zemgus Girgensons and Nathan Beaulieu are Botterill's two remaining restricted free agents who need to be signed. Botterill has signed RFAs Rodrigues, Robin Lehner and Johan Larsson.
Rodrigues and Eichel are friends away from the rink. The duo shaked and baked together at Boston University. The Terriers made it to the NCAA men's hockey championship game in 2015, losing to Providence College.
Eichel played only one season at BU. That season, Rodrigues enjoyed career high success by playing with Eichel to the tune of scoring 21 goals and 40 assists rolling with the then fabulous freshman.
Rodrigues has scored 60 points in 120 games played with the AHL Rochester Americans.
In his first pro season in Rochester, Rodrigues scored 9 goals and 21 assist last in 72 games played. He achieved the identical goal and assists totals last season, however, played only 48 games with the Amerks.
Rodrigues has scored 5 goals and 3 assists in his 32 games played for the Sabres.
I happen to know that Botterill has a lot of respect for Rodrigues and his approach to the game. Rodrigues is a speed demon who plays both sides of the puck with great dexterity. Rodrigues was drafted as a winger, however, was converted to a center last season. Center ice is where Rodrigues made his bones in the NHL. He's slippery and sneaky strong. He avoids absorbing heavy body contact and can create plays for his teammates in cramped spaces. Rodrigues caught the attention of Sabres management after Larry Larsson suffered a season ending elbow/shoulder injury in New Yers Eve in Boston. Larsson underwent surgery and Rodrigues earned high praise for his dogged determination and never ending work ethic. Botterill scouted Rodrigues at Boston University and also has seen his AHL career up close and personal when Botterill was the GM of the high flying Scranton/Wilkes Barre Penguins.
Rodrigues is a tailor made Botterill player. He's an older, stronger, smarter college kid who has done his apprenticeship in the AHL. He produced when called up to the NHL.
I am predicting that ERod will earn a roster spot in Buffalo when training camp breaks in a September.
I can see a day in the near future where Rodrigues wins a battle with Zemgus Girgensons for the third line center job in Buffalo. That would leave Girgensons and Larsson to battle for the L4 pivot position. Botterill may consider trading Larsson or Girgensons this summer to his former employer in Pittsburgh. Penguins GM Jim Rutherfirdbis actively shopping for a quality, cost controlled third line center to replace UFA Matt Cullen who likely will not return to the Stanley Cup champions. The Pens could move Jake Guentzel from top line winger to third line center next season, however, Guentzel scored 29 goals in 65 games (combined regular season and playoffs) in 2016-17. Problem being, Guentzel vibes tremendously playing alongside Sidney Crosby, who would pitch a fit if Mike Sullivan moves Guentzel to L3C.
Rodrigues, on his wedding day, with close friends Hudson Fasching, Will Carrier, Nick Baptiste, Justin Bailey, Jean Dupiy, and Jack Eichel
Congrats buddy @evanr17 👰🼠pic.twitter.com/JSDIWjPKnl
— Justin Bailey (@JustinBailey95) July 26, 2017