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Jack Eichel injury: 5 reasons Buffalo Sabres can win without him

By Sammi Silber

Sep 21, 2015; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Buffalo Sabres forward Jack Eichel (41) scores a goal during the third period against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Sabres defeated the Wild 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 21, 2015; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Buffalo Sabres forward Jack Eichel (41) scores a goal during the third period against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Sabres defeated the Wild 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Buffalo Sabres star forward Jack Eichel was injured at practice Wednesday. The 2015 second-overall draft pick needed help leaving the ice and has injured his ankle. He will be further evaluated in the afternoon.

While there is no knowing how long Eichel will be out, let alone how severe the injury is, here are five reasons why the Sabres can go on without him.

5. Buffalo Possesses Offensive Firepower

Though Eichel is a vital part of the Sabres offense, they have an arsenal of players that can fill the void and produce points. Eichel was second in scoring on the team last season, posting 24 goals and 56 points. However, it was Ryan O’Reilly that led the team with 60 points in 2015-16.

Despite injury scares in the preseason, O’Reilly returned to practice Tuesday and appears ready to return to the ice soon. In fact, he may even be available for the season opener against Montreal on Thursday.

Not to mention, the Sabres locked up highly sought-after Kyle Okposo this offseason, and he will be a key member of their offense. Not only is he a high-scoring sniper, but he can create scoring chances and put up strong numbers.

In addition to O’Reilly and Okposo, Buffalo can also rely on Sam Reinhart, Evander Kane and recently signed Rasmus Ristolainen to put up points and step up in Eichel’s absence.

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