Life without Jack Eichel might not be bluer than blue.
The super sophomore center will miss the next 4-6 weeks with a moderate high ankle sprain suffered at this end off Wednesday's practice.
Personally, I would rather have Eichel suffer this injury now than in December or January.
Dan Bylsma got great news this morning when Ryan O'Reilly was cleared for take off. O'Reilly will take Eichel's number one center role and will play between Evander Kane and Samson Reinhart when Buffalo hosts Montreal tonight.
Sabres head coach Dan Bylsma said in his morning presser that he will limit ROR's face off useage to take it easy on the center's back.
O'Reilly suffered a back injury ten days ago and has been limited in his role with the the Sabres as he has been recovering.
Johan Larson will take ROR's position as second line pivot.
Veteran center Zemgus Girgensons will hold down the third line middle man role with training camp darling Derek Grant centering the fourth line. Grant led the Sabres with three goals and three assists in six exhibition games.
Sabres trios:
Kane-ROR-Reinhart Ennis-Larsson-Foligno Moulson-Girgensons-Fasching Deslauriers-Grant-Gionta
Dan Bylsma ruled out defenseman D Dmitry Kulikov for tonight as he is recovering from a back injury. Bylsma also ruled out Kyle Okposo for the season opener (knee bruise).
Casey Nelson will play for Kulikov.
Zach Bogosian will play versus Montreal.
Robin Lehner will get the Buffalo net.
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Bylsma mentioned "moderate" ankle sprain. What is that exactly?
Per Orthopedic hand book, Ankle Sprain Recovery Time:
Severity Recovery Times
Grade l (Minimal) 2 to 4 weeks Grade 2 (Moderate) 6 to 8 weeks Grade 3 (Severe) 12 weeks to 6 months
It's too soon to tell, however, it is possible that Eichel may be up and moving in hockey terms in 2-3 weeks.