Jack Eichel a “few weeks” away from making his Golden Knights debut

The Vegas Golden Knights are getting a big boost heading into the second half of the season.

Team owner Bill Foley said on a “Vegas Hockey Hotline” podcast episode that recently acquired star Jack Eichel is getting close to making his return to action, and could finally make his season debut in as little as a few weeks.

“You saw him. He’s not that far off…He’s going to be ready to play” said Foley.

The 25-year old star was traded to the Golden Knights in a blockbuster deal back in early November 2021 that sent forwards Peyton Krebs and Alex Tuch, a top 10 protected first-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, and a second-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft to the Buffalo Sabres.

Eichel has not played since March 7, 2021 due to a lingering neck injury, which led to him having controversial artificial disk replacement surgery shortly after he was acquired by the Golden Knights on November 12.

The former second overall pick has posted 139 goals and 216 assists over a span of 375 combined games and six NHL seasons.