San Jose Sharks: What would a trade for Jack Eichel look like?

The San Jose Sharks could make a trade for Buffalo Sabres star Jack Eichel this offseason.

When Jack Eichel signed his 8-year, $80 million extension with the Buffalo Sabres in 2018, it seemed like the rising star would not head anywhere. But not could the San Jose Sharks or another team look to trade for him?

After tremendous turnover within the organization, Eichel is expected to demand a trade before his no-movement clause takes effect in 2022. One of the many teams linked to Eichel is the Sharks, who are in dire need of a quick rebuild after a down year.

The prospect of bringing in the American superstar is risky, as the asking price will be much more than Erik Karlsson a couple of years ago. The Sabres would part ways with Eichel for no less than two key skaters, two prospects, and two first-round picks.

Making a play like that could hurt the Sharks more than it would help them, but given the current state of the franchise, it is worth a shot.

With these conditions in mind, let’s take a look at what a potential Jack Eichel trade would like for the team.

What might the San Jose Sharks have to give up in a trade for Jack Eichel?

The prominent first two pieces would be sending Tampa’s first-round pick in the upcoming draft, and San Jose’s first-round pick in the next draft. The idea of this hurts given that Buffalo already held the Sharks first-round pick last year.

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Also, the Ottawa Senators hold the Sharks pick this season as a result of the trade for Karlsson. It seemed like the selection would be late in the first round, but evolved into the third overall pick.

Next in the package are the San Jose Barracuda prospects that would get sent to Buffalo’s AHL affiliate, the Rochester Americans.

First on the list is Czech goalie Josef Korenar, who should develop into a promising NHL goalie soon. With the signing of Alexei Melnichuk, the need for Korenar on the Barracuda has dwindled.

Korenar has gotten off to a strong start in the AHL, participating in the AHL All-Star game at just 20-years old.

Also included would be the rights to former first-round pick and current junior prospect Ryan Merkley. He currently plays for the London Knights in the Ontario Hockey League; the 19-year old defenseman had 76 points in just 60 games last season.

Merkley was a result of one of the deepest defenseman drafts in recent years, the pool of talent included the like of Rasmus Dahlin and Quinn Hughes.