On the Buffalo Sabres and Jack Eichel …
John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Jack Eichel’s figures to make between $8 million and $10 million on his next contract extension. What the value is between those two numbers is the tricky part. Buffalo Sabres GM Jason Botterill:
“Both parties would really like to get a deal done,” Botterill said Monday night. “Do we have a deal done? No, not yet, but we continue to be very cordial in our discussions.
“It has to be a situation where both groups are very comfortable with where the number’s at and where the term is at and are excited about continuing this relationship.”
Botterill adds that his relationship with Eichel’s camp remains positive and they hope to get a new contract “done here shortly.”
WGR 550: Sabres GM Botterill on WGR 550 yesterday on Eichel.
“We’ll continue to talk. I have a great relationship with his agency. Jack’s focusing on the season, but we’ll continue to work. Bottom line is both parties really want to get a deal done. I feel very very confident that we will get a deal done in the near future.”
“We’re trying to get a deal done now. I think both parties are very optimistic a deal can be put in place…Jack won’t let this be a distraction.”
On the Columbus Blue Jackets and Josh Anderson …
Aaron Portzline of The Athletic Cleveland: Columbus Blue Jackets restricted free agent, Josh Anderson, may not be in training camp if he doesn’t have a contract in place according to his agent Dave Ferris.
“The (club) hasn’t really moved much, so there isn’t much to add; it’s all status quo,” Darren Ferris said. “There’s no point in attending a camp without having a contract.”
Ferris added that he spoke with Blue Jackets assistant GM Billy Zito last week and it seems like the Blue Jackets are not in a rush to sign him. GM Jarmo Kekalainen wouldn’t comment on the situation.
Ferris said that he already has plane tickets for Anderson to fly to Switzerland and skate with a team there if he’s going to miss too much of training camp.