With Buffalo Sabres training camp just days away one of Jason Botterill's biggest offseason priorities has yet to be completed. Despite what seems to be a desire from both the Sabres and Jack Eichel to get a contract extension signed, no new deal has been agreed upon.
On Monday, Botterill addressed the discussions and said he's "hoping to get a deal here done shortly."
"Both parties would really like to get a deal done," Botterill said. "Do we have a deal done? No, not yet, but we continue to be very cordial in our discussions and it has to be a situation where both groups are very comfortable with where the number is at, where the term is at and are excited about continuing this relationship moving forward."
Last week, Eichel told Paul Hamilton of WGR 550: "I have no problem playing the year out. I'm adamant about staying a Sabre, I want to bring some new excitement to this town and the contract thing will take care of itself."
Eichel's agent echoed those comments to 7ABC last week, adding his client would be willing to start the season without a new deal.
"In a situation like this, it's an important deal for the organization, it's an important deal for Jack," Botterill added Monday. "All I would say is that I still think conversations are very cordial, very positive from that standpoint and when you have both parties wanting to get a deal done, I do believe eventually a deal will get done."
