LAS VEGAS — Golden Knights center Jack Eichel will miss an indeterminate amount of time after suffering an injury in Thursday's game against the Boston Bruins.
The Golden Knights, who have lost seven of 10, will host the Calgary Flames on Saturday night.
Eichel, who became the first NHL player to undergo artificial disc replacement surgery in his neck on Nov. 12, 2021, left Thursday night's game in the second period, returning to score a goal in the third period and assisted in the game. winner in overtime.
The team did not reveal what type of injury Eichel had. He leads the team with 44 points.
“The last update I got today is that he's going to miss a little bit of time,” coach Bruce Cassidy said Saturday after a morning skate at the team's facility. “But I don't know how long.”
Cassidy said there was an evaluation after the game, but Eichel returned to the facility Friday morning with “a little soreness.”
“He and the medical team decided to do some more testing, so that's where we are now,” Cassidy said. “It's obviously not good news for us or for Jack, but we'll see how it plays out. But he certainly won't be available tonight.”
The Golden Knights were already missing center William Karlsson, who is back week after week.
“We need guys to step up when someone gets hurt,” Cassidy added. “I'm just going to stay in the moment and tonight we'll find out… When you take the two of the top three on any team [centers] out, it's going to affect your group.”
Byron Froese was recalled from the American Hockey League affiliate in nearby Henderson and is expected to be in the lineup Saturday.
