Injured Buffalo Sabres forward Jack Eichel continues to get closer to a return, as he practised with the team for a second straight day on Thursday.
The 20-year-old has been out since the final day of the pre-season with a high ankle sprain. The original injury diagnosis saw him missing six to eight weeks, which would mean an early to mid-December return.
While this is a positive sign for the Sabres, head coach Dan Bylsma told reporters on Thursday that Eichel still would not join the team on their upcoming road trip, as he would be staying back in Buffalo to continue rehabbing.
The 2015 second-overall pick had 56 points (24 goals, 32 assists) in 81 games with the Sabres as a rookie last season.
Buffalo (7-8-5) will head out on the road Friday, where they will take on the Washington Capitals (12-5-2) at 5 p.m. ET.