Buffalo Sabres captain Jack Eichel will miss the remainder of the season with a herniated disc in his neck.
Sportsnet reported that the 24-year-old center will require surgery. The team said he is expected to be healthy and ready to play at the start of the 2021-22 season.
Eichel last played on March 7 in a 5-2 road loss to the New York Islanders. He appeared to injure his neck after being checked into the boards by forward Casey Cizikas late in the third period.
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Eichel finishes his sixth NHL season with 18 points (two goals, 16 assists) in 21 games.
The No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 draft has 355 points (139 goals, 216 assists) in 375 games with the Sabres.
–Field Level Media