Sabres' Jack Eichel: Gets rid of walking boot

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

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.