The Golden Knights announced newly-acquired center Jack Eichel underwent successful neck surgery on Friday in Denver, and that they expect Eichel to make a full recovery.
Eichel had an artificial disk replacement procedure done at the Rocky Mountain Spine Clinic, performed by Dr. Chad Prusmack.
The Golden Knights, via Prusmack, said the procedure was “successful and without complications.” The team is expected to provide an update at a later time on when Eichel will return to the ice.
The long-standing, eight-month drama surrounding Eichel’s neck surgery has finally come to an end. Eichel has not played since March due to that neck injury, but there was plenty of disconnect between the Buffalo Sabres and their former captain on which surgery he wanted done.
The Sabres preferred an anterior cervical discectomy fusion, while Eichel and his representatives preferred this ADR procedure. That discord led to the Sabres trading Eichel and a future third-round pick to the Golden Knights on Nov. 4 for Alex Tuch, Peyton Krebs and two picks.
Eichel anticipates that the recovery time will take three months and anticipation is that he will join the Golden Knights some time after the Olympic Break.