Jamie Nye: Free Jack Eichel

Free Jack Eichel!

Something needs to happen and soon. The NHL, the Buffalo Sabres, Eichel and the NHL Players’ Association have to find a resolution because ruining a young man’s career over a neck surgery is becoming more disturbing by the day.

Eichel wants an artificial disc replacement to repair his neck while the Sabres want fusion surgery. The Sabres’ option has been used far more often in contact sports, while Eichel’s option hasn’t been at all.

The new CBA extension gives final say on how to treat injuries to the team and its doctors. So here we are. Eichel is no closer to repairing his neck and the Sabres aren’t going to budge either.

It is an ugly example of how much power teams wield in the relationship with their players. But should a player have to give up health decisions that could impact a future well beyond hockey because someone pays them $10 million a year?

Jack Eichel has found himself in CBA purgatory and it’s terrible that it appears the Buffalo Sabres want to keep him there for as long as possible.