Sammi’s Daily Mix: Eichel Saga Comes To An End, Capitals Ready For Florida

The Jack Eichel saga has finally come to an end and in a pretty wild fashion. In a morning blockbuster, the Vegas Golden Knights acquired the Buffalo Sabres captain in exchange for 2019 first-rounder Peyton Krebs, Alex Tuch and two conditional picks.

Meanwhile, the Washington Capitals are preparing for a tilt with the still undefeated Florida Panthers and continue to battle injuries.

Here are the latest news and notes from across the NHL:

Capitals Links

• Conor Sheary has three points in his last four games, and he’s been one of the Capitals’ most important assets this season. Here’s more on his impact beyond the scoresheet. (Washington Hockey Now)
• Elizabeth Mantha, sister of Washington’s Anthony, made her AHL refereeing debut. Tarik El-Bashir gives an in-depth look at her career and aspirations. (The Athletic)
• Hendrix Lapierre is playing beyond his years, but he’s still an Xbox-loving kid at heart. We caught up with the 19-year-old to discuss how he found his passion for hockey growing up, staying positive and life with the Capitals. (WHN)

NHL Links

• Eichel is finally out of Buffalo and is headed to Vegas as part of a major deal that shook the hockey world to start off Thursday. Owen Krepps breaks down the trade, including how the Golden Knights beat the Calgary Flames’ offer and what it all means for Eichel in regard to his health and future. (Vegas Hockey Now)
• Brad Aldrich’s name has been “XXXed” off the Stanley Cup. Sean Leahy shares more on the Chicago Blackhawks situation and the Hockey Hall of Fame’s decision. (Pro Hockey Talk)
• Cole Caufield’s rough start led to a demotion to the AHL. Jon Still details the 20-year-old’s move to the Laval Rocket and the fallout from the decision. (Montreal Hockey Now)

Sammi’s Top Shelf Takes

• Washington will face a big challenge against the Panthers, and it’s arguably the biggest test to date. Florida’s doing everything right at the moment, and Sergei Bobrovsky and Spencer Knight are both at the top of their game. The Capitals need to stay disciplined and get the pressure going early and often to win this one.
• Nic Dowd skated with the team yesterday in a normal jersey and is eligible to come off the IR today. It’s unclear if that’ll be the case, but he does make a major difference in the face-off circle and on the penalty kill, which will also be key against the Cats.
• Good on the HHOF for crossing Aldrich’s name off the Cup. There’s still a lot more work to be done, though, and this shouldn’t be the end of the case by any means.