‘It’s disappointing right now’ | Sabres vets look ahead to offseason

Buffalo Sabres captain Jack Eichel said he is focused on being healthy for next season during his end-of-season Zoom call with the media on Monday. 

Eichel did not play after March 7 due to a herniated disc in his neck. 

“For sure, I would say I’ve been a bit upset about the way things have been handled since I’ve been hurt,” Eichel said. “I would be lying to say that things have moved smoothly since my injury. So, yeah, I think there’s been a bit of a disconnect I think from the organization and myself. 

“It’s been tough at times. But right now, for me, I think the most important think is just trying to get healthy and figure out a way to be available to play hockey next year, wherever that might be.”

Eichel did not comment on whether or not he has formally asked for a trade. 

Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams confirmed in March that Eichel had gone out of state to seek a second opinion on the injury but added that the team remained hopeful he could return before the end of the season. The team announced Eichel would not play again this season on April 14.  

Adams will meet with the media on Wednesday. 

“Listen, my number one interest and my number one goal is Jack Eichel, you know what I mean?” Eichel said. “You’ve got to look after yourself, you’ve got to look after what you think is best for yourself, and the organization has a similar job to do but it’s to look after what’s best for the Buffalo Sabres. 

“Yeah, it was tough. … Things, I guess, maybe just haven’t been very black and white, to put it in perspective. I think we’re all trying to educate ourselves on the situation and what would be best moving forward.”

Video: LOCKER CLEANOUT: Eichel

Eichel was the last of seven veteran players who spoke to the media on Monday, including four others who have been with the organization since 2015-16 or prior: forward Sam Reinhart, defensemen Rasmus Ristolainen and Jake McCabe, and goaltender Linus Ullmark. 

Reinhart, who will become a restricted free agent this offseason and is one year away from unrestricted free agency, said he needed time before considering his future. Ristolainen, who has one year remaining on his contract, said he told Adams he was open to all options. 

The Sabres went 8-11-2 since the beginning of April with a lineup that on most days consisted of at least nine players under the age of 24. Interim coach Don Granato gave top-line and top-pair matchups to young players on a nightly basis, including rookie center Dylan Cozens and defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, offering a promising glimpse of players who figure to be part of the future core. 

One question to be answered this offseason is, Who will that core include?

“The way the younger guys played towards the end of the year, I mean, it gives you confidence about the future,” Ristolainen said. “But for me, I can’t go for another rebuild or wait multiple years. For me, I mean, we have to get to playoffs next year. For me, it’s either here or hopefully, then, somewhere else.”

Reinhart, who matched a career high with 25 goals, found little solace in the Sabres’ ability to compete late in the season. 

“Honestly, there’s not much to take right now,” he said. “This is another year, it’s disappointing right now. Not really looking to be in the business just to be in games.”

Video: LOCKER CLEANOUT: Reinhart

Ullmark and McCabe, both of whom are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents during the offseason, expressed optimism regarding the future of the organization. McCabe, who has been sidelined since sustaining ACL, MCL, and meniscus injuries in his right knee on Feb. 20, said he continues to have discussions with Adams. 

“I think Kevyn has done a great job this year given the circumstances of everything,” he said. “I think as a first-time GM, I think he’s handled himself well. He’s a really good communicator. I’ve really enjoyed my time with him so far. He’s an easy guy to talk to. 

“It hasn’t gone right so far in my time here. Like I said, it’s very frustrating. However, like I said, I think Kevyn has a great vision for this team moving forward.” 

Ullmark said he would take time to be with his family before making decisions on his future but expressed gratitude to the organization for helping him through a season in which he dealt with multiple injuries along with the loss of his father in January.

“I’m very thankful for the whole organization, all the way at the top from Kevyn down to the team around the team,” he said. “First of all, they let me be me through it all. They always showed their support so I can’t thank them enough for that.”

Whereas McCabe, Reinhart, Ristolainen, and Ullmark all have free agency awaiting them either this offseason or next, Eichel remains under contract through 2025-26. 

“I think I have a lot of thinking to do this offseason,” Eichel said. “I think there’s a lot that I have to consider. But for now, obviously, I’m here. I’m the captain of this hockey team and my goal is to be available and to try and help the guys in the room and to help this organization win hockey games. I’ll continue to do that as long as I’m here.”