Jack Eichel is preparing to take on more leadership with the Sabres

Photo: Gene J. Puskar Associated Press
The centre of Swords, Jack Eichel

The centre of the Sabres-Jack Eichel is preparing to take on more leadership, and it puts aside the discussion for a new contract, at least until next year.

“I don’t have a problem with that, said Eichel. We know where we are and we know the position of the Swords. If it’s expected to 2018, it will be like that, simply. “

Eichel took a few shots of a skate with teammates on Tuesday, a little over a week from the beginning of training camp. He reiterated his commitment to play for Buffalo in the long term.

The athlete of 20-year-old prepares to compete in the last season of his contract of rookie, of three years. It provides for a substantial increase in his salary after this agreement is ended.

Last month, a source familiar with the dossier said that the two parties have discussed a settlement of eight years, the maximum in the NHL. On Tuesday, the same source said that the talks are continuing since the beginning of formal negotiations in June.

The Sabres have chosen Eichel second in 2015, after that the Oilers have drafted Connor McDavid, the player par excellence of the circuit in 2016-2017. In July, he signed a contract of $ 100 million for eight years.

The Sabres have made so many changes after having strayed from the series for a sixth year in a row. The general manager Tim Murray and coach Dan Bylsma have been fired in April, replaced by Jason Botterill and Phil Housley.

“I see myself as one of the leaders of the team and one of those who will take the organization to the next level,” said Eichel. We must be able to trust me. I have to do better in all aspects of the game of hockey on the ice and off. “

Last season, the native of Massachusetts has led the Sabres with 57 points (24 goals), although he has missed the first 21 games because of an injury to the left ankle.

Eichel is excited to play for Housley, a former defender of the Sabres, who made his entry into the Pantheon in 2015. Housley wants to establish a style of play fast and focus on controlling the puck. A similar approach to that of the Predators, of which he was a deputy in the last four seasons.

Botterill has been active at the level of the defense. He has acquired Marco Scandella of the Minnesota and Nathan Beaulieu of Montreal, in addition to obtaining the services of Victor Antipin, who was playing in Russia.

The Sabres were in need of a wind of change, owner Terry Pegula to have criticized a lack of discipline and communication, at the time of firing Murray and Bylsma.

“With the way it ended, I think it is a good thing for everyone to have a new start,” said Eichel.