NHL: Eichel gets booed relentlessly during hostile return to Buffalo

On Thursday night, Jack Eichel returned to Buffalo with his new team, and Sabers fans weren’t shy about letting him know how they felt about him and how things ended in Buffalo.

Speaking to the media yesterday, Eichel acknowledged the rift between him and the Sabers was complicated, but he hoped fans would appreciate all the effort he put in on and off the ice during his five and a half seasons with the organization.

But as many expected, things didn’t really turn out that way.

The 25-year-old was traded to the Golden Knights last November after he and the Sabers had differing opinions on what type of procedure he should undergo to repair a herniated disc in his neck. They never managed to work things out, and after a summer full of trade rumors, Eichel was ultimately traded in exchange for Alex Tuch, Peyton Krebs, a protected first-round pick in the top 10 in 2022, as well as ‘a second round pick in 2022. 2023.

After being drafted second overall in 2017, the hope was that Eichel could turn the Sabers fortunes around and turn them into a Stanley Cup contender. This plan never came close to coming to fruition, as the team failed to make the playoffs just once during his tenure. Despite the team’s struggles, he was very productive during his time in Buffalo, recording 355 points in 375 games.

It seems at least a few fans appreciated that, as he was able to garner a few cheers during a video tribute in the first half.

Now a member of a contending team in Vegas, Eichel will likely see his first playoff action later this year and could see an extended run on a team many considered a Stanley Cup contender heading into the 2021 campaign -2022. He recently made his season debut following neck surgery, but is quickly getting back on track with three goals and seven points in 10 games so far.

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