Golden Knights’ Jack Eichel out week to week after lower-body surgery

Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel underwent successful lower-body surgery and will be out week to week, the team announced Tuesday.

UPDATE: Jack Eichel had successful lower-body surgery and will be out week-to-week. #VegasBorn

— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) January 16, 2024

Eichel was injured in Thursday’s overtime win over Boston on a hit by Bruins defenseman Matt Grzelcyk. Eichel’s left knee was pinned against the boards on a hip check attempt by Grzelcyk in the second period of that game. Eichel also lost his skate blade on the play, and said he “felt something” so he went to the dressing room to get checked out.

Eichel eventually returned to that game, and scored a power-play goal, but missed the Golden Knights’ following two games against Calgary and Nashville, and underwent surgery on Tuesday to repair the injury.

The team didn’t give a timeline for Eichel’s return, but it’s safe to say Vegas will be without its top center and leading scorer for some time. Eichel leads all Golden Knights with 19 goals and 44 points. He also leads all Vegas forwards in ice time, playing a big role on both special teams units.

Who steps up?

Vegas is now severely hampered up the middle, already missing centerman William Karlsson who is out week to week with a lower-body injury suffered on Jan. 1. The Golden Knights will rely heavily on Chandler Stephenson, who hasn’t had the best first half but has produced three points in the two games since Eichel left the lineup.

Nicolas Roy will also receive increased ice time and responsibility. The 26-year-old center has seven goals and nine assists on the season, usually playing a bottom-six role, but will be counted on for more offense while Eichel and Karlsson are out.

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(Photo: Ethan Miller / Getty Images)