Jack Eichel expected to be out another ‘month or two’ before making Golden Knights debut

It may take a little longer than initially expected for Jack Eichel to make his highly-anticipated Vegas Golden Knights debut.

Golden Knights bench boss Peter DeBoer spoke to the media about Eichel’s recovery timeline, and essentially put to bed the rumours that the All-Star forward could return is imminent.

“It’s going to be at least a month or two months before he plays,” said DeBoer.

“Being around the guys every day, he’s going to be coming on the road with us, on the trip at the end of the month here and start traveling with us, which provides great team-building opportunities”

The 25-year old star, who is currently practicing with the team as a no-contact participant, 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.