BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Sabres announced Wednesday afternoon that Jack Eichel won't be back on the ice for the rest of the 2021 season. Buffalo's star center will reportedly have surgery on a herniated disc in his neck.
Expecting an update today on Jack Eichel. Word is BUF captain needs surgery and will get it done soon, so he can begin training in preparation for next season. He’ll miss the remainder of this year.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) April 14, 2021
Eichel's last appearance of the ice was on March 7th against the New York Islanders. When he left the game, trainers were paying close attention to his neck. Former head coach Ralph Krueger never revealed a timetable for his return.
“It’s a bummer, it is," interim head coach Don Granato said. "You hope for him to feel better every day and improve every day and that’s in essence what you think of and how you think about it."
“It’s always tough missing time, no-one wants to go through a stretch like this watching games and you hope he recovers and he comes back better from it," forward Sam Reinhart added.
Eichel in discomfort around the neck #LetsGoBuffalo #Isles #HDIA pic.twitter.com/IJtbL7TGpk
— Buffalo Hockey moments (@SabresPlays) March 7, 2021
The #Sabres won't say if Jack Eichel will need surgery as part of his rehab. We asked Dr. Bennett Myers from @DentInstitute about the potential timeline that comes with this type of injury @WKBW pic.twitter.com/5X8Gp1XgSF
— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) April 14, 2021
In 21 games played, Eichel had two goals and 16 assists for the Sabres. The team expects him to be healthy and ready to go for the start of the 2021-22 season.
