Eichel’s leg bent backwards awkwardly and had to be helped off of the ice and appeared to be a serious amount of pain. All signs are pointing towards Eichel missing some time, but there likely won’t be an update until later today. Consider him doubtful for Thursday’s season opener.
Eichel missed Saturday’s game in Toronto will an illness, but it looks like he will return to the Sabres lineup on Tuesday. Monitor his status during tomorrow’s morning skate to be sure, but all signs are pointing towards him returning.
Selected second overall in the 2015 NHL Draft, Eichel joins the organization after a standout season at Boston University (NCAA-Hockey East) in which he became the second freshman – after Paul Kariya in 1993 – ever to earn the Hobey Baker Memorial Award as college hockey’s top player. Eichel led all NCAA players with 71 points (26G / 45A) in 40 games in 2014-15.
