Is a Jack Eichel trade out of Buffalo on the horizon? Despite a 99% vaccination rate in the NHL, there are still COVID-19 cases happening. How is that affecting the NHL season, and could it change Olympic participation? TSN Hockey Insiders Chris Johnston, Pierre LeBrun and Darren Dreger have more.
Are we finally getting closer to the conclusion of the Jack Eichel saga?
Earlier this week, trade talks heated up with the Buffalo Sabres and now they seem to have cooled down a little bit but that can change with one simple phone call. So the hope is from both sides, the player’s perspective and the Buffalo Sabres, that they do find a trade that works. Otherwise, his Player’s Association grievance is coming. If the trade does happen, Jack Eichel could be under the knife and having disk replacement surgery early next week.
Despite 99 per cent of the league being double vaccinated, teams are still dealing with positive tests. Why is it playing out this way?
It also stresses the fact that while everyone has committed to go to the Olympic games in February, there’s a reason that there’s a January 10th opt-out for the NHL and NHLPA. If COVID cases escalate to a point where games start to get postponed and rescheduled, then there is a conversation to be had. So keep that in mind as we go along.
Is there concern about China’s men’s hockey team as they prepare to host the Winter Olympics?
This isn’t necessarily a new issue, the IIHF has been aware of the possibility. I think they’ve tried to be patient in hoping that they bring along the country. Now, as it gets close, they have to make a decision by Dec. 1, whether China will be in as a host nation at the Games and it’s very much up in the air.