Jack Eichel is back on the ice. Yes, you are reading that correctly. Eichel is currently in North Carolina and is cleared for all hockey related activities except for contact. The Vegas Golden Knights allowed Eichel to have the surgery of his choice and it seems he is recovering well and making good time to get back on NHL ice. This is encouraging for not only Vegas fans, but NHL fans in general. It is always unfortunate when someone gets hurt and can’t play for a long time. But, the hockey community is especially rooting for Jack Eichel and celebrate the fact that he is getting a fresh start.
How We Got Here
By now we all know that the Buffalo Sabres blocked Eichel from getting the artificial disk replacement surgery. They felt a spinal fusion would be better. When Eichel and his camp pushed back on it, Buffalo decided that they were not going to negotiate and took their time to trade him. Instead, Eichel was stripped of the Buffalo captaincy and was forced to wait to continue his career. Vegas had no qualms with Eichel getting the surgery and taking his time to recover. When he returns, many feel he will become a top line center again and immediately take a spot on the top power play unit.
Reinforcements
The Golden Knights have been banged up for most of the season. They just got William Karlsson back from COVID protocols and a broken foot. Alec Martinez still has yet to play. Before Alex Tuch was traded to get Eichel, they were without him as well. Riley Smith and Max Pacioretty have also missed time. As an added bonus to the team getting healthy again, Chandler Stephenson is having himself a year. With all of those guys back except for Martinez, and Jack Eichel eying an early 2022 return, this team is returning to form and will be dangerous once again.
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