Jack Eichel is skating, expected to join Golden Knights by the end of December

It looks like Jack Eichel’s much-anticipated return to the NHL could be right around the corner.

Eichel was seen skating on Thursday in North Carolina just three weeks after undergoing surgery to have an artificial disc placed in his neck.

The timeline for Eichel to return after going under the knife was anywhere between three to five months, with the most optimistic estimates suggesting he could be playing for the Golden Knights in February.

According to Jesse Granger of The Athletic, Eichel is cleared to do anything other than contact and he’s expected to join the Golden Knights in around three weeks.

Now, of course, that doesn’t mean he’s going to be suiting up with Vegas before the end of December. It’s just a step in his return, as he’ll join the team, likely practice with them in a non-contact jersey, eventually get cleared for contact, and then the Golden Knights will decide from there when he’s ready to suit up.

Eichel hasn’t played in a game since March 7. He requested a trade from the Buffalo Sabres due to a disagreement over what type of surgery he should have to fix the issue with his neck. The Sabres finally pulled the trigger on a deal in November, sending him to Vegas in exchange for Alex Tuch, Peyton Krebs and draft picks.

The Golden Knights also have some work to do before Eichel can return to action. As of right now, the team would be well over the salary cap ceiling if Eichel and his $10 million cap hit were activated from the Long-Term Injured Reserve.