Jack Eichel

Sabres' Jack Eichel suffers ankle injury after nasty fall during practice

Published Nov. 15, 2016 2:41 p.m. ET

Allyssa Lee

Their NHL season has yet to begin, but the Buffalo Sabres have already taken a hit after center Jack Eichel took a nasty spill on the ice and injured his left ankle during practice on Wednesday.

Later, the team announced the 19-year-old Eichel suffered a high ankle sprain, and said there was no timetable for his return.

The injury — which had Eichel writhing on the ice in pain and required him to be helped off the ice, unable to put any weight on his leg — occurred with less than 10 minutes left in practice on the eve of the Sabres' season opener against the Montreal Canadiens.

The No. 2 pick in the 2015 draft, Eichel had 24 goals and 32 assists in 81 games in his rookie year.

"It's the cusp and eve of starting a new season, one we are all looking forward too, and I think that's why it takes the wind out of the sails of the arena today," Bylsma said.

Injury Update: Jack Eichel has been diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain. As of now, no timetable has been set for his return. pic.twitter.com/3JEpwG50od
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) October 12, 2016

VIDEO: Jack Eichel goes down at #Sabres practice, has to be helped off the ice. Looks like left ankle. pic.twitter.com/ntUj3asIGE
— Tom Martin (@4TomMartin) October 12, 2016

VIDEO: Jack Eichel suffers high ankle sprain at practice. You can hear him yell, then arena goes quiet. Team says no recovery timetable yet. pic.twitter.com/t4OBtP9aD8
— Tom Martin (@4TomMartin) October 12, 2016

Coach Bylsma: Ankle injury for Jack Eichel. He went down with a lot of pain. He'll be evaluated this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/SWJmUrOXKF
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) October 12, 2016

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Jack Eichel

Buffalo Sabres

National Hockey League