Eichel (ankle) skated on his own Thursday, but is still at least several weeks away from returning to game action, Amy Moritz of The Buffalo News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Eichel's presence on the ice Thursday is undoubtedly an encouraging indication of the progress he's made in his recovery from a high ankle sprain, but the talented young forward still likely won't return to the Sabres' lineup until late November at the earliest. The next logical step in the American center's rehabilitation will be a return to practice with his teammates, so Eichel's owners can expect another update on his status once that happens.

Eichel's (ankle) recovery is "progressing quite nicely," and he is seeing a doctor Wednesday to determine the next steps in his rehab, Joe Yerdon of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's been four weeks since Eichel sustained his high ankle sprain and it appears his rehab is right on schedule. While the No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 draft has yet to return to the ice, he has reportedly been "working out at another level the last four or five days" and is likely to continue to ramp up his workload going forward.

Eichel (ankle) shed his walking boot Friday, though that does not mean that he's ahead of schedule, The Buffalo News reports.

EDGE Analysis

According to this latest report, Eichel is still wearing a brace on his left ankle. The 2015 Hobey Baker Award winner from Boston University sustained a high-ankle sprain Oct. 12, the eve of the season opener. Buffalo is off to a sluggish start without Eichel, who produced 56 points in 81 games as a rookie last season, having claimed only one win through six contests.

Eichel (ankle) is listed on injured reserve, per the NHL's official media site.

EDGE Analysis

Eichel is expected to miss 4-to-6 weeks with a high-ankle sprain sustained in practice Wednesday. Sabres goalie Robin Lehner knows all about how tough it is to recover from such an injury, as he dealt with the issue for much of last season. "You'd rather break a leg. You'd rather break your bone. It's more clear cut," said Lehner to The Buffalo News on Thursday. Eichel moving to IR should surprise no one, as such a move opened a roster spot for 21-year-old winger Nicholas Baptiste.

Eichel suffered a high ankle sprain at practice Wednesday after getting tangled up in front of the net, TSN's Bob McKenzie reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Sabres expect a minimum absence of four-to-six weeks, and perhaps maybe longer. This is a big blow to the Sabres, who also won't have Kyle Okposo (knee) for Thursday's opener against Montreal. Without Eichel, who scored 24 goals in his rookie season, the Sabres offense lacks serious punch. They will now likely slot Zemgus Girgensons or perhaps Sam Reinhart into the No. 2 slot behind Ryan O'Reilly. Adjust your fantasy lineups accordingly.

Eichel sustained an apparent left ankle injury at practice Wednesday, Buffalo's News 4 reports.

EDGE Analysis

Eichel fell to the ice in pain and had to be assisted off the rink. The Sabres open the regular season against the Canadiens on Thursday, and the countless fantasy owners owning the 2015 Hobey Baker Award winner should keep close tabs on this situation. He's bound to be evaluated immediately.

Eichel will play Tuesday against Carolina, The Buffalo News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Eichel shouldn't miss a beat after playing the World Cup in September. Though he wasn't one of Team North America's top players, he was consistently relied upon by head coach Todd McLellan. As a right-hand shot, Eichel played plenty of shifts on the right wing, but with the Sabres he's firmly entrenched as the team's No. 2 center behind Ryan O'Reilly. The former Boston University star scored 24 goals in his rookie season and will be looking to build on that. He'll be playing with Sam Reinhart on his right wing again , and have either Evander Kane or Tyler Ennis on his left wing. Eichel is feared shooter with his speed, strength and accuracy, and scoring 30 goals isn't out of the question. He should be a top commodity in keeper leagues.

Eichel returned from representing Team North America at the World Cup and skated on his usual spot next to Sam Reinhart on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Eichel wasn't the big headline-making star for Team North America, but was still quite solid throughout the tournament, finishing with a goal and an assist in three games. After leading the Sabres with 24 goals in his rookie season, big things continue to be expected from Eichel, and scoring 30 goals this coming season isn't out of the question. At the end of the year the previous season, head coach Dan Bylsma indicated he'd like to keep Eichel and Reinhart together, and so far he's made good on his word. Who will play left wing on that line remains a question, and though Matt Moulson is getting the first look, the top two options are still Evander Kane and Tyler Ennis. Eichel is an excellent building block in dynasty leagues and should be able to score 60-70 points this season.

Eichel finished his rookie campaign with 24 goals and 32 assists in 81 games, including eight power-play goals.

EDGE Analysis

Eichel finished second on the team in scoring and looked very much like the franchise player everyone pegged him to be. At just 18 years old he already has the size and strength to compete in the NHL, and if his fantastic chemistry with Sam Reinhart carries over next season, the Sabres could be a potent offensive team. Eichel is blessed in Buffalo with Reinhart, Evander Kane, Tyler Ennis and Zemgus Girgensons as potential wingers. He's a stud in keeper leagues and will be a popular early-round pick.

Eichel, whose rookie season just ended, will sit out May's world championships in order to rest up his body, The Buffalo News reports. "I think it's time for me to take a little break and unwind a little bit here, kind of take a deep breath for the first time in a while," said Eichel "It's important mentally, physically, emotionally to take some time, be with your family, collect yourself, put the hockey bag away, stay out of the gym. Just relax a little bit, rejuvenate your mind, rejuvenate your body and prepare for your offseason training the right way where you can get the maximum results to help you come back next season feeling better than ever and hopefully take that next step."

EDGE Analysis

While it would have been exciting to see the budding superstar play in the tournament, Eichel has had a long year between last year's college season, the world championships, the draft, and his first NHL season. Keeper league owners will be happy he's not at risk of further injury, and Eichel should come into camp next season in good shape and looking to improve on his 56-point campaign.