from John Vogl of The Athletic,

This is about more than a letter or cap space. It always has been.

Eichel is a 24-year-old who’s supposed to be in the prime of his life. He’s a physical specimen, a man who’s been pushing his body to legendary limits since his early teen years. He’s fine-tuned every muscle, allowing him to reach the pinnacle of his sport.

And now he has absolutely no say in the next step for his body. The CBA allows teams to determine the course of treatment for injuries. That’s fine for ankle sprains, broken fingers and ACL tears. Life-altering neck surgery is something else completely.

Eichel needs surgery to resume his NHL career and live a healthy life. He and the Sabres acknowledge that. It’s the only thing accepted by both parties.

The Sabres and their doctors insist Eichel undergo fusion surgery, a common practice. It involves removal of the damaged disk. Two vertebrae inhabit the empty space and fuse together, either with time or the addition of a plate.

Eichel says no way, not a chance, never going to happen....

The Sabres are in the infancy stage of yet another rebuild. Their best opportunity to take a step forward is to trade Eichel and bring in significant pieces. But they are pretending he’s healthy in trade talks and won’t let him get healthy in real life.

It’s just wrong.

more ($$$)