Jack Eichel‘s debut with the Vegas Golden Knights could be quickly approaching.
Head coach Peter DeBoer said Friday that Eichel could get cleared for contact after the All-Star break, which would be a major step forward in a return to action.
Eichel had artificial disk replacement surgery back on Nov. 12, and was back on the ice on Dec. 2. He took part in his first practice with the Golden Knights on Jan. 11 in a non-contact jersey.
“I would say he’s progressing pretty well. We haven’t started contact yet and I think that’s the next step,” DeBoer told reporters at the NHL All-Star Game availability in Vegas. “That’s a big step obviously because everything changes when we get into full contact. But from a sheer practice and skill point of view, he’s elite and every day we are out with him the group is excited.”
The former Sabres captain was dealt to Vegas in a blockbuster trade with Peyton Krebs, Alex Tuch and a first- and second-rounder going to Buffalo in return.
Neither Eichel nor the team have put a target date on when they expect him to take to the ice in his Golden Knights debut. Vegas is on the road for its first two games out of the All-Star break, with a back-to-back in Alberta against the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames, then returns home to take on the Colorado Avalanche on Feb. 10.
The Golden Knights sit at the top of the Pacific Division with 57 points and if they qualify for the post-season it would be the first time Eichel has ever played in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
“I think he can just come in and do his thing, he doesn’t have the pressure to carry a team,” DeBoer said. “He’s never played an NHL playoff game yet and I know that’s exciting for him. That’s a whole different level of hockey when you get to that time of the year. I’m excited for him because I think he’s going to excel in that type of game.
