Joe, as always, a well written cogent piece. As you say, both sides have a point that most people can agree with. The Sabres bear a substantial risk in blessing a surgery that (I assume) does not meet the standards of their insurer. Eichel clearly has his own risk in that surgery as he wants to be a generational player in this league for years to come. He also has his own long term health in mind, as he should.
I wonder had the relationship between Eichel's past representatives and the Sabres been less acrimonious, could they have worked out a situation to mitigate the financial risk to the team. If so, the Sabres and Eichel's positions would have been similar. Once the divorce became inevitable, the Sabres had no incentive to share any risk with Eichel's camp.
I feel for Jack on a personal level. I understand management's position on a professional level. Most of all I experience the frustration on a fan level. I hope that the Sabres work out a trade with contingencies for Jack's future health, that he get's healthy, and that both teams can walk away at least somewhat satisfied.
The point regarding insurers cost to bear is one that Isn’t known. Assuming an artificial disk replacement is not something that’s common enough to consider being covered we can see why this has an added level of difficulty.
As for Eichel’s previous representation with Peter Fish, an agent never does anything without the player’s OK. If anything, their outward angst and frustration I took to be a clearer view of Jack’s own frustration. Switching to Pat Brisson, to me, meant he was bringing in a heavy hitter with a stronger reputation and a more tactful hand.
The relationship being poor, I figure, was the case beforehand and the team agreed to move him in their postseason meeting. When it never came through that’s when things got bad. In my mind ownership is now very prominently involved and, in Buffalo’s case, that makes things far more difficult.
Great Piece Joe. What a bummer for fans and Jack,
Appreciate that, Dave. And yeah, it’s just crappy all around because the cord hasn’t been severed. Can’t move on without that.
Joe, as always, a well written cogent piece. As you say, both sides have a point that most people can agree with. The Sabres bear a substantial risk in blessing a surgery that (I assume) does not meet the standards of their insurer. Eichel clearly has his own risk in that surgery as he wants to be a generational player in this league for years to come. He also has his own long term health in mind, as he should.
I wonder had the relationship between Eichel's past representatives and the Sabres been less acrimonious, could they have worked out a situation to mitigate the financial risk to the team. If so, the Sabres and Eichel's positions would have been similar. Once the divorce became inevitable, the Sabres had no incentive to share any risk with Eichel's camp.
I feel for Jack on a personal level. I understand management's position on a professional level. Most of all I experience the frustration on a fan level. I hope that the Sabres work out a trade with contingencies for Jack's future health, that he get's healthy, and that both teams can walk away at least somewhat satisfied.
The point regarding insurers cost to bear is one that Isn’t known. Assuming an artificial disk replacement is not something that’s common enough to consider being covered we can see why this has an added level of difficulty.
As for Eichel’s previous representation with Peter Fish, an agent never does anything without the player’s OK. If anything, their outward angst and frustration I took to be a clearer view of Jack’s own frustration. Switching to Pat Brisson, to me, meant he was bringing in a heavy hitter with a stronger reputation and a more tactful hand.
The relationship being poor, I figure, was the case beforehand and the team agreed to move him in their postseason meeting. When it never came through that’s when things got bad. In my mind ownership is now very prominently involved and, in Buffalo’s case, that makes things far more difficult.