BUFFALO – Sabres center Jack Eichel is out indefinitely after suffering a high right ankle sprain early in Saturday’s 4-2 win in Boston, the team announced this afternoon.
Only eight weeks are left in another miserable Sabres campaign, so Eichel’s season could be over.
The injury, of course, is familiar to Eichel. When the Sabres’ only NHL All-Star suffered a high left ankle sprain on the eve of the 2016-17 season opener, he missed the first 21 games over a seven-week stretch.
Eichel left Saturday’s contest in the first period after his right leg bent awkwardly as he fell into the end boards. The youngster, who got tangled with Bruins defenseman Matt Grzelcyk, then skated off on his own as he grimaced in pain.
Eichel, 21, has compiled a team-best 22 goals and 53 points in 55 games this season.
The Sabres host the Colorado Avalanche tonight.
UPDATE: The Sabres have recalled winger Nick Baptiste the Rochester Americans.