The Buffalo Sabres announced Wednesday afternoon that second-year star Jack Eichel will miss the start of the season with a high ankle sprain. While the Sabres haven’t set a timetable for his return, the injury generally takes at least four to six weeks to heal.
The injury occurred in practice Wednesday morning when got tangled up with Zemgus Girgensons and went down in pain. He had to be helped from the ice.
VIDEO: Jack Eichel goes down at #Sabres practice, has to be helped off the ice. Looks like left ankle. pic.twitter.com/ntUj3asIGE
— TOM MARTIN (@TwoCirclesTom) October 12, 2016
Eichel scored 24 goals and finished with 56 points during a strong rookie season. His injury, while not season-threatening, could put a damper on what the Sabres hoped to be their first season of real playoff contention in a half-decade.
Will the Sabres be able to remain in the hunt in the early going while their star is on the mend?
