Reports: Jack Eichel, Sabres close in on 8-year extension

— -- The Buffalo Sabres and their young star, center Jack Eichel, are close to agreement on an eight-year contract extension worth around $10 million a season, according to multiple reports.

Eichel, selected second overall in the 2015 draft behind Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid, is in the final year of his three-year entry-level contract and would be a restricted free agent after the season.

McDavid signed an eight-year, $100 million extension with the Oilers this summer, and the Sabres have been intent on locking up Eichel long term as well.

He has scored 24 goals in each of his first two seasons in Buffalo, though last season he played just 61 games because of an early-season high ankle sprain.

As a rookie, he finished fourth in Calder Trophy voting behind winner Artemi Panarin of Chicago, Philadelphia's Shayne Gostisbehere, and McDavid.

The Sabres open the season Thursday night at home against the? Montreal Canadiens.