Eichel (upper body) has been activated from injured reserve ahead of Friday's game with Carolina.

EDGE Analysis

Eichel was on a line with Jeff Skinner and Tage Thompson during Friday morning's practice, and being removed from injured reserve indicates Eichel is finally ready to return. He's missed the past three games, but can get back to anchoring the top line, and add to the 49 points he's complied thus far.

Eichel (upper body) has declared that he is '100 percent' for Friday's road game against the Hurricanes.

EDGE Analysis

One day after participating in a high-tempo practice, Eichel reportedly was on the ice Friday morning, occupying his normal spot on the top line with Jeff Skinner and Tage Thompson. The next step is for the Sabres to officially activate Eichel from injured reserve -- it appears that such a move is imminent.

Eichel (upper body) looked good in practice Thursday, but Sabres coach Phil Housley wouldn't say for certain that the star pivot would be in the lineup versus the Hurricanes on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

It appears that Housley is taking a wait-and-see approach with Eichel, who has missed the last three games. According to Brayton J. Wilson of WGR 550, the fourth-year skater impressed the coach in the latest high-tempo practice, but he'll still be reevaluated ahead of the next game.

Eichel has been designated for injured reserve, per the NHL media site.

EDGE Analysis

Eichel's placement on injured reserve could be an indication that Zemgus Girgensons (upper body) is ready to play against the Devils on Tuesday. For Eichel, the designation should have no impact on his timeline, as he can still be activated prior to Friday's clash with Carolina, assuming the Sabres utilized retroactive injured reserve which is probably a safe bet.

Eichel (upper body) will not be in the lineup against the Devils on Tuesday, per Paul Hamilton of WGR Sports Radio 550.

EDGE Analysis

Eichel did join the team on the ice for the game-day skate, but didn't take part in line rushes then stayed on late for extra work. Despite his absence Tuesday, it appears the all-star center is trending in the right direction and could be available versus Carolina on Friday.

Eichel (upper body) is expected to sit out Tuesday evening against the Devils since he joined the extras at morning skate, Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Eichel reportedly synched up with Sam Reinhart (illness) and Scott Wilson (ankle) as a not-so-subtle sign that he'll miss a third consecutive game. Buffalo's premier center is being monitored closely, and he's not on injured reserve, so practice patience with him if at all possible.

Eichel (upper body) was on the ice for morning skate Tuesday, Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Eichel was a late addition to the a.m. session, making this the second consecutive day that he has been on the ice for either a practice or morning skate. The Sabres will take on the Devils at home later in the evening, so we will circle back once the team divulges more information on the star center.

Eichel (upper body) could be in the lineup Thursday against the Devils.

EDGE Analysis

The team plans to make a decision on Eichel's status tomorrow, so his owners will need to wait and see what they decide. The 22-year-old has sat out Buffalo's past two contests with an upper-body injury. Be sure to insert Eichel back into your lineup as soon as he's given the green light to return. In 40 games, the Sabres' captain has scored 15 goals and posted 49 points.

The Sabres don't have an update on Eichel (upper body) ahead of a road game against the Bruins, Amalie Benjamin of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Eichel having grown up in Massachusetts and gaining prominence with Boston University, it would have been a treat for fans at TD Garden to see him in action, but he'll miss at least one more game with his injury, so keep him stashed on the fantasy pine.

Eichel (upper body) will miss the Sabres' next two contests, but remains day-to-day, John Vogl of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Eichel will be re-evaluated ahead of Tuesday's matchup with New Jersey, which leaves open the door for him to miss even more time. The all-star center's spot on the top line appears to be in the hands of Evan Rodrigues for the time being, though the coaching staff could change things around during Thursday's tilt with Florida in order to figure out who is going to work best with Jeff Skinner and Sam Reinhart.