John Robert Eichel is a professional American ice hockey center who serves as an alternate captain for the Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League (NHL). Eichel was drafted second overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut in the 2015-16 season and scored his first NHL goal in his first game, on October 8, 2015, against the Ottawa Senators. He finished his rookie season with 24 goals and 56 points in 81 games and was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team. In 2019-20, Eichel had a career-high 36 goals and 78 points in 68 games. He was also named to his third NHL All-Star Game. Eichel's playing career was derailed by a neck injury in the 2020-21 season. He missed most of the 2021-22 season due to the injury.
Eichel was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights in November 2021. After defeating the Stars in six games, the Golden Knights reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 2023 against the Florida Panthers and won in five games. Eichel led the league in playoff scorings with 26 points, the third-most for any player in their first playoffs, and finished second in voting for the Conn Smythe Trophy for playoff MVP, behind linemate Jonathan Marchessault.
Also Read: Jack Eichel Parents
Jack Eichel's surgeries
Jack Eichel underwent two major surgeries. Firstly, he had artificial disk replacement (ADR) surgery on his neck in November 2021. He reportedly had been suffering from a herniated disk in his neck for several years. He tried to manage the injury with physical therapy and other non-surgical treatments, but they were not successful. He eventually decided to undergo ADR surgery after learning about the success of other athletes who had had the surgery.
Jack Eichel was the first NHL player to undergo artificial disk replacement (ADR) surgery on his neck. The surgery was successful, and he was back on the ice three months later. He has said that the surgery has helped him to play pain-free and has improved his range of motion. Eichel reportedly underwent a lower-back surgery in January 2024.
FAQs on Jack Eichel
A: Jack Eichel had artificial disk replacement (ADR) surgery on his neck in November 2021.
A: ADR surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that replaces a damaged disk in the spine with an artificial one.
A: Jack Eichel needed artificial disk replacement (ADR) surgery to repair a herniated disk in his neck.
A: Jack Eichel was back on the ice three months after having artificial disk replacement (ADR) surgery.
A: Yes, Jack Eichel has fully recovered from artificial disk replacement (ADR) surgery.
