SJHN Daily: Should Sharks Have Matched Eichel Trade Package?

The Jack Eichel saga is officially over in Buffalo. He is now a Golden Knight after Vegas traded for the 3-time All-Star center in exchange for Peyton Krebs, Alex Tuch, a future first-round draft pick, and a future second-rounder. Vegas also got a future third-round draft pick as part of the deal.

Now, in a perfect world, the San Jose Sharks would have loved to add Eichel to their roster. And in terms of matching the Vegas offer, the Sharks have a lot to work with.

First, San Jose could offer its 2022 first-round pick (top-10 protected a la Vegas) and 2023 second-round pick to find equivalence of the Vegas’ deal.

For the players, it gets a bit tricky. Alex Tuch, a former first-round pick, is a young winger in his prime. Trading Tomas Hertl here would not make sense for Buffalo as he would have to re-sign on a long-term deal then. Tuch’s current contract runs through the 2025-26 season at a 4.75 million cap hit.

Logically, Timo Meier or Kevin Labanc would fill the top-six hole on the wing for the Sabres. With Meier’s recent resurgence, his value would be suitable for Buffalo’s depleted depth there.

As for Peyton Krebs, a 2019 first-round pick by Vegas, the Sharks could find a comparable with Tristen Robins, a high 2020 second-rounder, who is lighting up the WHL currently with 22 points in 12 games.

Meier might be worth more than Tuch, while Krebs is worth more than Robins, so that might balance out. Or would the Sabres demand Ozzy Wiesblatt or Thomas Bordeleau? Like Krebs, Wiesblatt was a first-round pick, albeit lower in the first.

In total, Jack Eichel and a 2021 third rounder for Timo Meier, Tristen Robins, the 2022 first-round pick, and the 2023 second-round pick could be a reasonable match for what Vegas offered. If Buffalo asks for Wiesblatt instead of Robins, do you bat an eye?

It’s going to be a pain once Jack Eichel returns and the three-headed monster of Eichel, Mark Stone, and Max Pacioretty potentially unite as the Golden Knights’ top line. Vegas and San Jose cross paths three times after the 2022 Winter Olympics.

What do you think, San Jose Sharks fans? Would you have matched VGK’s Eichel package?

At San Jose Hockey Now … 

Sharks Are Going to the Playoffs…If These Stats Hold

7 Sharks in Protocol; Inside One of Strangest Days in Sharks History

Eklund, Agent Believe He Should Be in NHL — Sharks Disagreed

Rusanowsky on Sharks COVID Game Chaos

Blues @ Sharks: Should Eklund Stay?

Gregor, Leonard, Chmelevski, Blichfeld Finding Way Back to Sharks

In Other San Jose Sharks News …

San Jose Sharks director of scouting Doug Wilson Jr. defends his decision to send William Eklund to Sweden. (The Athletic)

The Sharks are struggling to bring in fans to SAP Center early into this season. (The Mercury News)

Katherine Pitré looks at the trickle down effect of the Sharks’ COVID outbreak. (Fear the Fin)

San Jose Sharks defenseman Ryan Merkley scored his first NHL goal with his family in attendance against the Sabres. (NHL.com)

Sharks forward Evander Kane spotted at LAX airport with his rumored girlfriend, model Mara Teigen. (New York Post)

Around the NHL …

Connor McDavid’s goal of the year candidate is far too good.

Matthew Tkachuk scored this unique goal in a 6-0 win over the New York Rangers.

Blackhawks fired head coach Jeremy Colliton on Saturday after the team’s 1-9-2 start. (The Athletic)

NHL tinkers testing protocol to address false positive COVID-19 cases. (Sportsnet)

What 9 NHL executives think of the Jack Eichel trade to Vegas. (The Athletic)

It’s early in the Calder Trophy race, but the Detroit Red Wings have two promising candidates. (NHL.com)

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin is off to best start of his career at age 36. (Russian Machine Never Breaks)

Patrice Bergeron ignites the Boston Bruins’ offense with an uplifting 4-goal performance.

Talking Points: Bergeron Busts Out With 4 Goals for Boston Bruins

What’s next for the Calgary Flames and forward Matthew Tkachuk after the Jack Eichel trade?

What’s next for Flames and Tkachuk after Eichel saga? (+)

Jack Eichel tells Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman he thought he might be traded to the Colorado Avalanche.

Jack Eichel thought he might be going to the Colorado Avalanche

Kevin Allen looks at why forward Pius Suter should center Detroit Red Wings’ top line.

Pius Suter Will Center Top Line Because He’s the Detroit Red Wings’ Best Option

Star forward Jonathan Huberdeau hopes to have career-long tenure with Florida Panthers.

Jonathan Huberdeau wants to end career with the Florida Panthers

Mitch Gallo looks at why the Montreal Canadiens should have attempted Jack Eichel trade.

Gallo: Canadiens miss the boat again, should have went after Eichel

Forwards Brock Nelson and Anthony Beauvillier are making headway as a duo early this season for the New York Islanders.

Brock Nelson, Anthony Beauvillier Finding Stride During Islanders Point Streak

After missing his opportunity last season, defenseman Juuso Riikola is getting a re-do for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Kingerski: Riikola Disappointing, Joseph Missing Big Opp; Penguins Need Depth

Scott Cullen explains why forwards Michael Bunting and William Nylander have been the best Toronto Maple Leafs early this season.

Grades: Nylander, Bunting best Toronto Maple Leafs through first 10 games

After surgery on his neck, Vancouver Canucks’ forward Tyler Motte is ready to play again.

Canucks Tyler Motte Shows Scar, Talks Surgery, Ready to Play

Owen Krepps provides a complete breakdown and analysis of the Jack Eichel trade to the Vegas Golden Knights.

Jack-Pot! Full Analysis of Golden Knights Trade for Jack Eichel

The Washington Capitals are battling the injury bug now, which is giving their rookies an opportunity to step up.

‘It’s Gonna Be Hard Battle’: Protas Ready For Shot With Capitals Amid Injuries