Update: Eichel out long-term, seeking a second opinion

The disgruntled captain doesn't trust the Sabres' medical staff.

HockeyFeed

Published on March 9, 2021 at 7:35 a.m.

Update: Eichel out long-term, seeking a second opinion — Photo Credit: Zuma Press

Earlier today the Buffalo Sabres announced that captain Jack Eichel will not play tonight's game against the Philadelphia Flyers due to an upper body injury.

Check it out:

Injury update: Sabres forward Jack Eichel will not play tonight due to an upper-body injury.
— Sabres PR (@SabresPR) March 9, 2021

Even worse though, both NHL insider Elliotte Friedman and former TSN analyst Aaron Ward report that Eichel could be out long-term. Ward reports that Eichel's injury is a "flare up" of a previous injury and that he's likely seeking a second opinion apart from the Sabres' medical staff.

Check it out:

We will see where this goes, as there are rumblings Eichel could be out longer term. No clarification at this time. https://t.co/gAQSWr7Lmd
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) March 9, 2021

My understanding is that this is an old injury ‘flare up’ and the reason he’s out. Because this could be long term, told he’s likely to seek a 2nd opinion. #Sabres https://t.co/FvYrJIdHLL
— Aaron Ward (@NHL_AaronWard) March 9, 2021

Any way you look at it, this is terrible news for the Sabres. Not only have they potentially lost Eichel long-term, but the fact that he's seeking a second opinion speaks volumes about his trust in the organization. Obviously it's a delicate situation in Buffalo right now and today's news could be the proverbial straw that breaks the camel's back. I mean... how much more controversy can this fanbase endure?

Source: Aaron Ward