The Buffalo Sabres will miss the services of Jack Eichel for about 6-8 weeks, General Manager Tim Murray said today. GMTM was speaking during the first period break in the game between the Sabres and the Montreal Canadiens.
Just before the game started, the Sabres Twitter account tweeted a picture of Murray with owner Terry Pegula, announcing that his contract had been extended.
During the intermission, Murray then spoke to the media, first on the topic of his extension –
“I wasn’t putting out resumes or anything like that. It feels good.”
On how his relationship is with the Pegulas –
“They’ve been very supportive. I can’t think of one time I’ve gone to them with an idea that they said no or even questioned it.”
And then the news everyone has been waiting for, what’s going on with Jack Eichel, and he confirmed that the center is working at returning in the 6-8 weeks range.
He was also asked if he had been in touch with other General Managers looking to make some trades –
“Jack is not a replaceable player. We have to do this internally.
“But if it’s clearly not going to work, then I’ve got to get on the phone and make some calls.”
Finally, he laid down the challenge to the players on the ice –
“We’re missing some big pieces, but there’s no excuses.”