Jack Eichel a game-time decision against Columbus Blue Jackets after 19-game absence

Vegas Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy told reporters on Monday morning that forward Jack Eichel is a game-time decision ahead of tonight’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

“I suspect he’ll play,” Cassidy said.

Eichel hasn’t played since Jan. 11 due to a suspected knee injury, undergoing surgery shortly after. He has 19 goals and 44 points in 42 games this year, his third season with the club.

Eichel has struggled with injuries throughout his career, breaking the 80-game barrier just once as a rookie in 2015-16. Despite that, he has remained a key piece of Vegas’ attack, helping lead the team to its first Stanley Cup in franchise history last year on the heels of a 26-point run from the American center.

Eichel had four points in his last three games for Vegas prior to injury, but in came in the midst of a 3-7-0 run for the team. The team currently sits second in the Pacific Divison, three ahead of Edmonton and 10 back of Vancouver, while riding a 5-4-1 record over the past 10 outings.

Eichel is in the sixth year of an eight-year deal worth $10 million a season. Per CapFriendly, Eichel has a no-movement clause, a deal he signed prior to the start of the 2017-18 NHL season while with the Buffalo Sabres.

The 27-year-old’s return could mark a huge boost for a team that’s not expected to have Mark Stone back for the remainder of the regular season, at least. Tobias Bjornfot is currently on injured reserve for an undisclosed injury, while Brett Howden, William Carrier and Pavel Dorofeyev are all out, as well.

According to CapFriendly, the Golden Knights have $6.851 million in deadline cap space available. Eichel’s return will give the team a nice boost offensively, but the team could still become active in the trade market prior to the March 8 trade deadline.