Sabres' Jack Eichel: Expected to return Tuesday

Eichel (ankle) will travel to Ottawa on Tuesday and he's expected to make his season debut, The Buffalo News reports.

Analysis:

Although he hasn't been officially activated off the injured reserve list, Eichel was a full participant at Monday's practice, and it's been six-plus weeks since his injury. "He looks good to me," said head coach Dan Bylsma. Eichel's ready to jump right back into action, and he'll center the top power-play unit with Evander Kane on the left and Sam Reinhart on the right. The Sabres are struggling on offense with just two goals in their past two games, and having Eichel back will give them a huge boost. He averaged 19:07 TOI per game last year and should hover around that number this year -- there's no reason to believe the Sabres will ease him into the lineup. Eichel finished the previous season with 15 points in his final 17 games and is a top-flight player in keeper leagues. Fantasy owners should make roster moves and prepare to play him Tuesday.