Jack Eichel continues to negotiate what he hopes will be a long-term contract with the Buffalo Sabres, he told the Lowell Sun.

"We're in the midst of it. It's between my agent and [general manager Jason] Botterill," the 20-year-old said. "I'm just going to work hard this summer. All of that tends to take care of itself. Obviously the contract is important. But for me it's all about the play."

Eichel and the Sabres reportedly are negotiating an eight-year extension that would begin next season. This will be the final season of his three-year, entry-level contract, which has an NHL salary cap charge of $925,000.