Vegas Golden Knights star Jack Eichel, who has yet to play this season while recovering from artificial disk replacement surgery, will make his debut on Wednesday against the Colorado Avalanche, the team said.
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In order to make room for Eichel, the Golden Knights will place forward Mark Stone on long-term injured reserve. Stone has been sidelined with an upper-body injury.
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.
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.
The Golden Knights sit at the top of the Pacific Division with 59 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.
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