Jack Eichel, the former Buffalo Sabres captain, has opened up about his tumultuous departure from the team, revealing his deep frustration over the way his injury was handled by the organization.
Speaking candidly, Eichel expressed disappointment with the Sabres’ refusal to allow him to undergo artificial disk replacement surgery, a procedure recommended by his personal chiropractor and an outside medical expert.
“It’s well-documented what happened when I got injured and needed surgery,” Eichel said. “I must say I was extremely disappointed with how I was treated.
The Sabres refused to clear me for the surgery I wanted, despite the recommendations of specialists I consulted. It was a procedure that had never been performed on an active NHL player before, but I felt it was the best option for my recovery.”
The NHL’s collective bargaining agreement gives teams the final say on medical decisions, a rule that left Eichel feeling powerless in his battle to return to the ice in the way he thought best.
“The current agreement between the league and the players’ union allows teams to make these decisions, but it really hurt that they wouldn’t support me when I was trying to take care of my health. I gave so much to the team, and I just didn’t feel like I had their support when it mattered most.”
Eichel’s dispute with the Sabres ultimately led to his trade to the Vegas Golden Knights, where he has since found a new sense of belonging and success. “Leaving Buffalo is something I don’t regret at all. Right now, I’m in a team that values me, my game, and they’ve given me the kind of support I needed from day one. I’m enjoying hockey again, and it feels great to be part of an organization that’s all pushing in the same direction.”
Reflecting on his time in Buffalo, Eichel’s words highlight the deep rift between him and the Sabres’ management during his final months there. “I’ll always remember how things went down, and it wasn’t the way I envisioned things ending with the Sabres. But moving on was the right step for me, both as a player and a person.”
Eichel’s departure marked a turning point not just in his career, but also in how NHL teams approach player autonomy in medical decisions. Now a key figure for the Golden Knights, Eichel’s situation serves as a reminder of the importance of player well-being, both on and off the ice.
