Eichel notched two assists, including one on the power play, Tuesday against the Golden Knights.

EDGE Analysis

Eichel also netted four shots on goal, two blocked shots and played a season-high 23:41 in a 5-4 overtime loss. It was an all-round great effort by Eichel, but the Sabres couldn't get the win despite battling back from a 4-1 deficit. The two assists now gives Eichel nine points in seven games this season, and he's well on his way to smashing last year's total of 57 points barring any injuries. Eichel is a must-start in all fantasy formats.

Eichel scored two points for the second consecutive game Saturday against the Kings.

EDGE Analysis

The two-point effort now gives Eichel seven points in five games, and the with an increasing number of power plays early this season due to the crackdown on slashing penalties, Eichel is also averaging more than four minutes per game on the man advantage and 20 minutes overall. It's concerning that the Sabres still have yet to win a game, but Eichel's doing all he can. Eichel also has just 12 shots in five games this season, which is an uncharacteristically low output for him, so perhaps there's still an extra gear. Eichel is a must-own player in all fantasy formats.

Eichel dished out two helpers in Thursday's 3-2 loss to San Jose.

EDGE Analysis

Eichel's line with Zemgus Girgensons and Jason Pominville accounted for all of Buffalo's offense in this one, as the trio combined for both goals and six points. The man chosen behind Connor McDavid in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft is turning into a fine player in his own right with five points through four games in the early going. Unfortunately for Eichel and the Sabres, that production hasn't translated to any wins.

Eichel scored a goal and an assist in Saturday's loss to the Islanders.

EDGE Analysis

Eichel is off to a good start with three points in two games, but the Sabres have yet to win a game and sit last in the Atlantic Division. It's only been two games, but Eichel is the only Sabres forward to average more than 20 minutes per game. He's the franchise center and he's been given a big vote of confidence from new head coach Phil Housley. Eichel is a must-start Monday against the Devils.

Eichel agreed to terms on an eight-year, $80 million contract extension with the Sabres on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

This offseason has been filled with huge pay days for young stars, including Edmonton's Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who both signed eight-year extensions of their own, so it was really just a matter of time before the Sabres' would lock the face of their franchise down to a long-term deal. Eichel was fantastic last season, racking up 57 points (24 goals, 33 assists) in 61 contests after missing the first 21 games of the campaign due to a high-ankle sprain. The 2015 draft's second overall pick is clearly already capable of producing at a point-per-game clip, and his offensive output should only continue to trend upward as Buffalo continues to improve the talent that surrounds him. Eichel will be an elite asset in all fantasy formats for years to come.

Eichel scored the game winner Monday against Pittsburgh in overtime, and also assisted on both of Jason Pominville's goals.

EDGE Analysis

It's only a preseason game, but Eichel's spectacular effort may force general manager Jason Botterill to give in to his contract demands as negotiations on an extension continue. It looks like head coach Phil Housley has already found a scoring line he can lean on with Evander Kane on the left and Pominville on the right, and all three players are poised to have big seasons after disappointing campaigns last year. Eichel is an elite fantasy performer and worth drafting in the first few rounds in all formats.

General manager Jason Botterill believes the Sabres and Eichel will come to terms on a contract extension sooner than later, the Olean Times Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

"Both parties would like to get a deal done," said Botterill in the report, even though it's still uncertain when that will be. Eichel has expressed an interest in returning to Buffalo and said he's okay with playing out the season without an extension, but it's in the interest of both parties to come to terms on a long-term deal. Despite being hobbled by a high-ankle sprain last year, Eichel was a dynamic offensive force on the Sabres upon his return, finishing 19th in the league with 249 shots on goal despite missing 21 games. He's the Sabres' franchise forward and worth picking in the early rounds in any fantasy format. A 30 or 40-goal season is not out of the question for the talented sniper.

According to Eichel's agent, contract talks with the Sabres is "not the main focus" as training camp approaches, theScore reports.

EDGE Analysis

Eichel enters the final year of his entry-level contract this season, and the former second overall pick is due for a big raise after scoring at least 20 goals and 55 points in each of his first two seasons in the NHL. The Oilers signed Leon Draisaitl to an eight-year, $68-million contract after his rookie deal, and Eichel's camp may use that as leverage for negotiations. There's little doubt Eichel will be Buffalo's No. 1 scoring option, but it looks like new general manager Jason Botterill will take a wait-and-see approach before committing to a long-term or expensive extension.

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.