Eichel is free to negotiate a contract extension with the Sabres beginning Saturday, and new Sabres GM Jason Botterill has expressed how important he feels the center is to the club, The Buffalo News reports. "Our conversations over the last month or so with (agent) Peter Fish have gone very well," Botterill said. "It's a situation of understanding we've had a lot going on in the organization, but we've clearly told Peter we understand how important Jack is to our organization here moving forward."

EDGE Analysis

The supremely talented pivot voiced his frustration with the Sabres coaching staff when Dan Bylsma was behind the bench, and in April, Eichel went as far as saying he wouldn't sign an extension -- he has one year remaining on his entry-level deal -- if Blysma was to return next season. As it turns out, the admonishment worked in Eichel's favor and Buffalo wound up replacing not only Blysma, but general manager Tim Murray as well. Despite being in the league for just two years and counting, Eichel has tremendous leverage with this franchise; he'll likely net a huge contract this summer after adding 113 points (48 goals, 65 assists) in 142 games between seasons one and two.

Eichel is eligible to sign a contract extension this summer, but has "no desire" to do so if Dan Bylsma remains head coach, WGR 550 reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Sabres were disappointing this season, failing to make any major improvements despite an impressive core of young players. Rumors of Eichel's frustration began to surface late in the season, and general manager Tim Murray echoed similar thoughts during his final press conference, taking some of the blame but also criticized Bylsma for not talking to the players enough. Keep in mind, though, that this development came from anonymous "inside sources," and that Eichel has never explicitly stated he won't re-sign if Bylsma is still the head coach. It's important to note Eichel has one more year on his rookie deal remaining, and he'll have to honor his contract regardless of who's behind the bench or otherwise face significant repercussions from the Sabres and/or the league office. Whatever the reasons for Eichel's frustrations may be, he was outstanding after the All-Star break, scoring 36 points in 34 games. He remains a keeper-level fantasy asset regardless of who's behind the bench, although the reported rift is a little concerning.

Eichel was credited with an assist in Wednesday's win over the Canadiens.

EDGE Analysis

Eichel finished Wednesday's game against Montreal recording only two shots on goal and one hit over 17:12 of ice time. Despite the underwhelming stat line, the second-year center picked up an assist on Rasmus Ristolainen's goal early in the first period. Eichel's assist gives him 33 on the year, besting the total from his rookie campaign (32). Buffalo's second-line center also set a new career high in points (57) with the helper. What makes both accomplishments amazing is that he surpassed his previous marks in far fewer games -- 59 games played this year, 81 last season. Eichel has shown the skills to be a point-per-game player; staying healthy and continuing his development this offseason will be key for the 20-year-old Boston University product.

Eichel scored a third-period goal and registered six shots on net during Monday's loss to Toronto.

EDGE Analysis

The tally snapped a two-game point streak and improved Eichel to 24 goals and 56 points for the season. Interestingly, those are the same marks he finished his rookie campaign with. Of course, the sophomore has posted the numbers in 23 fewer games, which highlights just how much offensive growth he's shown this year. While Eichel has clearly established himself as a high-end fantasy asset entering 2017-18, you'll want to be careful not to bank on another sizable step forward, especially since more of the same is still rock-solid production.

Eichel collected two assists -- one on the power play -- and two shots during Monday's win over Florida.

EDGE Analysis

The sophomore has hit the scoresheet in 21 of the past 24 games for 11 goals, 32 points and 96 shots. He's producing at a high-end level and has been a difference maker in all fantasy formats down the stretch. Considering Eichel's pedigree, it isn't out of the question to expect similar hot stretches to become the norm as he enters his offensive prime. Don't forget, Eichel is still just 20 years old.

Eichel finished Saturday's 5-2 win over the Maple Leafs with three points, including two goals.

EDGE Analysis

Eichel has 32 points, including 11 goals, in his last 25 games. And he has 53 points in 54 games this season. Eichel has been on an island offensively in Buffalo and that makes him a great keeper target. He just doesn't get the attention as this year's rookie class and that means he might come a bit cheaper.

Eichel posted a power-play goal in Monday's 2-1 win against the Red Wings.

EDGE Analysis

Eichel has picked up the pace, scoring seven goals with 13 points in 10 games in the month of March after lighting the lamp just twice in 14 contests in February. The last time he was scoreless in more than two games in a row was a three-game stretch from Jan. 26-Feb. 2.

Eichel scored two goals with an assist in Tuesday's 6-3 loss against the Flyers.

EDGE Analysis

Eichel became the third-youngest player in franchise history to reach 100 career points, behind only Pierre Turgeon and Dale Housley. He is working on a 11-game point streak, tallying five goals and 15 points along the way. Eichel is picking up the pace and has a chance to eclipse the 56 points he set as a rookie if he stays hot.

Eichel scored a goal and posted 10 shots in a 4-3 loss to the Penguins on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

His tally was the third for Buffalo in the first period. That chased Matt Murray at the end of the stanza, but Pittsburgh stormed back to win 4-3. However, Eichel was all over the ice and extended his points streak to 10 games. During that stretch, he has three goals and 13 points. Eichel missed significant time at the beginning of the season, but if continues to average close to a point per game, he will close to matching his 56 points from his rookie season.

With three points against Arizona on Thursday, Eichel now has 40 points in 43 games this season, and becomes just the second Sabre to notch at least 40 points in his first two seasons in the past quarter-century, according to hockey-reference.com.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas Vanek did it from 2006-2007, and the two join some exalted company which includes Danny Gare, Rick Martin, Alexander Mogilny, Gilbert Perreault, Ray Sheppard and Pierre Turgeon. Despite missing the start of the season due to an ankle injury, Eichel has been dynamite over his past 15 games, scoring three goals and 16 assists. Obviously, as a sniper, his lack of goals seems a little perplexing, but with 15 goals in 43 games he would've been on track to score 30 goals over a full season. What matters most is that he's been a consistent producer on offense, and no doubt remains one of the league's best young players and a very valuable asset in keeper leagues. He's a must-start in virtually all formats, and although he has back-to-back games Saturday and Sunday, oddly enough has scored just once in 12 games when he plays on weekends.