Jack Eichel is slated to return to the Buffalo Sabres tomorrow night against the Ottawa Senators, reports the Buffalo News’ John Vogl. Eichel has not played yet this season after suffering a high ankle sprain in practice before the Sabres’ first game.
Eichel has been practicing with the team for the past week or so, and Coach Dan Bylsma is happy with how Eichel has responded to those heavy workloads. Eichel has not played competitive hockey since the World Cup this summer where he scored 1G and 1A in three games.
Eichel is looking to build on his stellar rookie season. Last season he scored 24G and 32A in 81 games for the Sabres and placed fourth in Calder Trophy voting for Rookie of the Year. His return cannot come at a better time as the Sabres languish in last place in the Atlantic and have a league-worst 39 Goals For. Adding Eichel’s playmaking skills should immediately boost Buffalo’s anemic offense.