Botterill says Sabres, Eichel both want 8-year deal

It's not the length of Jack Eichel's possible new contract that's holding up an agreement with the Buffalo Sabres. It's the money.

Sabres general manager Jason Botterill confirmed Tuesday that both sides would like an eight-year deal, the maximum allowable under the NHL's CBA.

"We certainly want to get Jack signed up for the maximum amount of term possible," Botterill told reporters, via WROC's Dan Fetes. "(Eichel) has the same belief, and all of our discussions with him have been very positive about the contract, but also just about his season and preparation in general."

In early August, the Sabres were reportedly negotiating an extension with the star forward for up to eight years in length.

That report came just under a month after Connor McDavid signed an eight-year, $100-million extension with the Edmonton Oilers, and two weeks before the same Western Conference club inked Leon Draisaitl to an eight-year, $68-million pact.

"It's obviously a little bit of a new market this summer with some of the new contracts that have (been signed), but our discussions have been very positive," Botterill said.

"Discussions have been very amicable on both sides," he added. "I've done quite a few deals in the past with (Eichel's agency) and we have that relationship there, so we understand both sides' positions and (we'll) continue to work for an agreement."

Eichel, who's entering the final year of his entry-level deal, led the Sabres last season with 57 points and ranked second on the club with 24 goals despite missing the first 21 games with an ankle injury.

The 20-year-old was drafted second overall behind McDavid in 2015.

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