Eichel on Sabres extension: 'It's going to get done'

Jack Eichel and the Buffalo Sabres still haven't shaken hands on a contract extension, but the young star says a new pact is inevitable.

"It's going to get done at some point, whether it's now or a couple months or next year," the 20-year-old told NHL.com's Tom Gulitti on Thursday. "Who knows? I just know if my play takes care of itself, then good things will happen."

Earlier this week, one of Eichel's agents, Peter Donatelli, said his client was prepared to start the upcoming season without a new deal.

Sabres general manager Jason Botterill said last month that the club wants to sign Eichel for the longest term possible - in other words, an eight-year extension - adding that Eichel shares that desire.

The 2015 second overall pick, who has one year left on his entry-level contract, characterized talks as "ongoing," according to Gulitti, as the discussions reportedly have gone on for much of the summer.

Connor McDavid's new eight-year, $100-million megadeal is likely being used as a high-end comparable for a potential Eichel extension, but the Sabres phenom says he isn't fixating on the player drafted one spot above him a couple of years ago.

"There are some players in the league who are always going to be linked together just because people like comparisons," Eichel said. "People like to compare two things no matter what it is. Obviously, (McDavid has) had some great accomplishments early in his career.

"For me, it's more about worrying about myself. We're in two different situations, we play in two different areas, so I'm just trying to worry about Jack Eichel and helping Jack Eichel be the best that he can be."

Eichel led Buffalo with 57 points last season, despite missing 21 games due to injury.