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Jack Eichel injury update: How long will Sabres star be out?

By Dave Stevenson

Oct 30, 2015; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Jack Eichel (15) waits for a face-off during the second period against the Philadelphia Flyers at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2015; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Jack Eichel (15) waits for a face-off during the second period against the Philadelphia Flyers at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
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Buffalo Sabres center Jack Eichel suffered a very scary left leg injury during practice. 

The Buffalo Sabres are a quickly improving team. However, they likely won’t contend for the playoffs. Their playoff chances rely quite heavily on star center Jack Eichel taking a step up from his impressive rookie campaign. However, Eichel might be out long-term following a left leg injury in practice.

Eichel is favoring his left leg in the video, and it looks like it’s a knee injury. He’s in obvious pain. But the worst part of all of it is he couldn’t put any weight on his leg. That is never a good sign, and it could be a sign of significant knee ligament damage or leg damage. He goes down hard just before the goaltender goes after the puck. It appears to be a non-contact injury as well.

Fortunately, the Sabres have solid center depth. They have Ryan O’Reilly, who can take on a lot of the tough situations. With Eichel out, this could mean Sam Reinhart moves from wing back to center because he’s their only other skilled option available. Reinhart thrived as a wing last season with 23 goals and 42 points in 79 games.

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Eichel finished his rookie season with 24 goals, 32 assists, and 56 points. He finished fourth in Calder Trophy voting behind Artemi Panarin, Shayne Gostisbehere, and Connor McDavid. Hopefully this isn’t a serious injury and it looks a lot worse than it is. Eichel is important not just to the Sabres, but to the NHL as well. He is one of their most dynamic and impressive young stars. It’s never good for a star to be out long-term.

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