Eichel generated two assists -- including a power-play helper -- in Thursday's 4-2 road loss to the Senators.

EDGE Analysis

After watching his team fall to a 3-0 deficit ahead of the third period, Eichel turned on the jets and factored into two scoring plays in the final frame. With four goals and 10 helpers through 13 games, Buffalo's second overall pick from the 2015 draft has jumped out to a career-best pace in the points column.

Eichel did not practice Friday and instead was given a "maintenance day", Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Nothing suggests Eichel is in any danger of missing Saturday's game in Columbus. Buffalo's best player insisted to the media he was fine and plans to play against the Jackets. He has four assists in his last five games and on the season Eichel has tallied nine points in 10 games.

Eichel registered an assist and five shots on net in a 4-2 win Sunday against the Ducks.

EDGE Analysis

The only thing that has slowed Eichel down the last couple of seasons is trouble staying healthy, so fantasy owners always rejoice when he's on the ice. The 21-year-old has nine points through nine games, and he's also put 38 shots on net. He's scored at least 24 goals in every season of his career, and nothing indicates that he won't do that again.

Eichel picked up three assists while adding five shots, a blocked shot and a plus-4 rating in Saturday's 5-1 win over the Kings.

EDGE Analysis

The Sabres' top line of Eichel, Jeff Skinner and Jason Pominville was on fire, combined for nine points, and the 21-year-old center now has eight points (three goals, five assists) in eight games to begin the season. Eichel just missed scoring at a point-per-game clip for the first time in his career in 2017-18, but it looks like he's poised to reach or even exceed that plateau this year.

Eichel scored twice -- once on the power play -- and fired four shots on goal in Monday's 4-2 win over the Golden Knights.

EDGE Analysis

Eichel has now tallied three goals and one assist through the first three games, helping lead the Sabres to a 2-1-0 start. The fourth-year pro was near a point per game last year, and with better teammates surrounding him, that's a solid benchmark this season as well.

Eichel will be playing against his former coach in Saturday's game versus the Rangers.

EDGE Analysis

Eichel played for Rangers coach David Quinn for one year at Boston University. Eichel considers Quinn a friend and mentor, but will be looking to prevent Quinn from getting his first career NHL win. This might provide a spark in Eichel's game, who needs one after Thursday's 4-0 loss to he Bruins.

Eichel, who missed some brief time last week with an undisclosed issue, returned to practice Sunday, Amy Moritz of The Buffalo News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Buffalo's leading forward will be fine to start the regular season, where he's currently slotted to start the campaign on the top line with Sam Reinhart and new sniper Jeff Skinner.

Eichel -- who didn't join the team for Thursday's practice session -- is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury, Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Coach Phil Housley described the injury as a minor ailment, so it seems unlikely Eichel will miss Opening Night against the Bruins on Oct. 4 -- even if he is held out of the preseason finale versus the Islanders on Friday. The center will get a boost on his wing in the form of Jeff Skinner, which could set him up for another 60-plus point campaign.

Eichel tallied two assists in Saturday's 3-2 loss to the Maple Leafs.

EDGE Analysis

Eichel is poised for a huge season, that is if the Sabres' supporting cast can provide him with more help than they have thus far. And he can stay healthy. Eichel has played just 61 and 67 games, respectively in the last two seasons.

Eichel filled the stat sheet with a short-handed goal, four shots, two penalty minutes, two hits and a block in Tuesday's 3-2 preseason victory against the Penguins.

EDGE Analysis

The 21-year-old has never had trouble scoring. Despite playing just 67 games last season, Eichel recorded 25 goals and 64 points, but fantasy owners would like to see him contribute elsewhere. Tuesday's performance could be an indication he is ready to be a more rounded fantasy asset. Even in just 67 games, Eichel did have more power-play points, penalty minutes and hits in 2017-18 than he did in either of his previous two seasons.