Following up on earlier news, the Sabres have announced that Jack Eichel has a high ankle sprain. There is no definite timetable for his return, but comparable injuries have him as missing somewhere around four to six weeks.
It could be longer. It could be shorter. Either way, the Sabres are going to have to continue without him for at least a quarter of the season.
We’re still waiting on a more concrete time for his return, but the target is currently around Thanksgiving.
It’s a huge blow to a team that is looking to make the postseason for the first time in six seasons, but even without Eichel, the Sabres could be just fine. Of course, he’s a big piece, but now is a chance for others to step up in his absence.
It’s the last thing the Sabres needed. One day before the season opener, Jack Eichel has been helped off the ice during a practice at KeyBank Center Wednesday morning.
Many reported that they heard the yell and everyone became silent. Here’s a look at the injury, courtesy of Tom Martin.
VIDEO: Jack Eichel goes down at #Sabres practice, has to be helped off the ice. Looks like left ankle. pic.twitter.com/ntUj3asIGE
— Tom Martin (@4TomMartin) October 12, 2016
“I was just trying to get the puck, and we got tangled,” Zemgus Girgensons said. “He just fell awkward.”
There are no details on the significance of the injury, but we’ll have them for you here as soon as we find out more.
Head coach Dan Bylsma has confirmed that it is an ankle injury for Eichel. The forward will be evaluated this afternoon.
Keep your fingers crossed, Sabres fans.