Buffalo Sabres center Jack Eichel wants surgery that’s never been performed on an NHL player to repair a herniated disk, general manager Kevyn Adams told reporters Wednesday. The new information sheds light on the disconnect between the team and the player over Eichel’s injury.
“It’s been speculated and discussed from Jack’s camp about potentially having a surgery that’s never been done on a National Hockey League player before,” Adams said. “Our doctors aren’t comfortable with that.”
“There’s a high probability that through a conservative rehab approach, you are able to avoid surgery and you’re able to come back and perform at the top of your game,” Adams added. “That is what everybody agreed upon and that’s the hope that we all still have. What I want to make sure you all understand is we’re still in that window.”
Eichel told reporters on Monday that there has “been a bit of a disconnect from the organization a bit and myself.”
“It’s been tough at times,” Eichel said. “Right now, I think for me the most important thing is just trying to get healthy and figure out a way to be available to play hockey next year wherever that might be.”
Adams said Wednesday that Eichel has not asked for a trade.
Eichel injured his neck on March 7 and missed the rest of the season. He finished with just two goals and 16 assists in 21 games this season.
