I'll throw this out there in the to Eichel or not to Eichel discussion, Cap structure is incredibly important when trying to build a winning (not whining) team. You need a mix of star players that can put the team on their back, along with ELC stars of the future that out-perform their cap hits (along with some depth vet role players that can be relied upon in limited minutes). Ignoring any of these and you are likely one injury from disaster.
That said, there are some scenarios that trading for Eichel would absolutely make sense for the sharks. Most realistic scenarios which start with 7 OA (Lets call it Eklund, for discussion purposes) and Bordeleau and adding from there are, IMO, more likely to end in disappointment for us going forward. Without some impact players coming up from the ranks, we will never afford enough depth to give Karlsson and Eichel the support they need to win it all.
Here is a roster/cap scenario that would work for the sharks. No way Buffalo goes for this, unless DW gets em all drunk and takes blackmail pics:
Couture + Simek + Merkeley + Donato + Robins + 2022 1st (top 5 protected, becomes a top 5 protected 2023).
Cap works, lots of value but doesn't gut us. Prototypical HF quantity for quality. It wont happen, but it would work for us.