Sabres forward Jack Eichel questioned his future in Buffalo on Wednesday by saying there’s “not much talking going on” with the team on whether to have surgery to repair the injured knee he played with since game one of the first round.

“I think the most important thing is just trying to get healthy and figure out a way to be available to play hockey next year, wherever that might be,” Eichel said, still looking clearly upset following the playoff ending loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Eichel said he favors having surgery, while suggesting the team has a different opinion regarding the best course of treatment. He said he is contractually required to follow the team’s recommendation on whether to have surgery.

“Obviously, I’m under contract with this team, and they definitely hold a lot of cards on what I can and can’t do,” Eichel said during a 25-minute, end-of-season video session with reporters.

“Things haven’t been very black and white,” he said. “There’s been some tough conversations, but I’ve got to do what’s best for me.”

Eichel also expressed doubt about his future in Buffalo, calling it “a loaded question.”

“I think I’ve got a lot of thinking to do this offseason. There’s a lot that I’ll have to consider,” he said. “But for now, obviously, I’m here, whether I am able to play next year I don’t know yet. My goal is to be available and to try to help the guys in the room and help this organization win hockey games. And I’ll continue to do that as long as I’m here.”

Eichel currently sits 3rd in franchise regular season scoring and 2nd on the playoff list. GM Bernie Whatshisname has repeatedly stressed that they build “franchises” in Buffalo and not a new team every year. This suggests Eichel will remain in Buffalo whether he plays or not.