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Knights’ Jack Eichel practices for first time since surgery

Feb 28, 2021; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Jack Eichel (9) on the ice for warmups before a game against the Philadelphia Flyers at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel skated Tuesday in his first practice since November spinal surgery.

Eichel, wearing a red non-contact jersey, joined his teammates for the optional morning skate in Las Vegas.

Eichel, 25, had been rehabilitating in Charlotte, N.C., following an artificial disk replacement in his neck.

At the time of his surgery, Eichel said he expected to return within three months and be back at full strength in six months.

Eichel was traded to Vegas from Buffalo on Nov. 4 following a lengthy holdout, after he had clashed with Sabres management about his health care. He was adamant about having the artificial disk replacement, while Buffalo wanted him to have fusion surgery to repair his herniated disk.

Eichel is in the fourth year of an eight-year, $80 million deal. The Golden Knights reportedly absorbed his $10 million cap hit for the current season.

The No. 2 overall draft pick in 2015 out of Boston University, Eichel racked up 139 goals and 355 points in 375 games for the Sabres.

–Field Level Media

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