Jack Eichel’s injury gets a cryptic update from Bruce Cassidy

The Vegas Golden Knights‘ frustrating loss for New Jersey Devils on Wednesday night quickly turned from controversy to concern. Vegas fell 2-1 in the shootout after Mitch Marner’s controversial scoreless goal, but a bigger problem emerged soon after the game, Jack Eichel was unavailable and his status suddenly became uncertain.

Coach Bruce Cassidy offered little reassurance as the Golden Knights prepare for a road doubleheader against Alberta, which has caused alarm throughout the fan base. Jesse Granger of the Athletics caught the mood with the post on social networks.

“Bruce Cassidy didn’t quite say it, but reading between the lines it sounds like he’s set to be without Jack Eichel for tonight only,” Athletic’s Jesse Granger posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Eichel left training early on Tuesday due to illness and has been ruled out for Wednesday’s game, which is officially listed as day-to-day. His first chance to return would be Saturday at Calgary, though Cassidy’s comments suggest the team is bracing for more than a one-game absence.

Reilly Smith and Alexander Holtz are among the players who could enter the lineup if Eichel is sidelined. Cassidy addressed Eichel’s condition more directly, but without much clarity.

“I don’t know how much time he’s going to miss,” Cassidy said, via Danny Webster of the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

The potential loss is huge. Eichel currently leads the Golden Knights with 29 assists and 41 points and was on pace for historic numbers. With William Carlson and Shea Theodore also out, Vegas could be without three of its five most impactful skaters at the same time.

Instead of dwelling on the controversial shootout loss, Golden Knights fans are now focused on a far bigger question — how long the team might have to go without its offensive engine. As Vegas heads into a critical stretch of road games starting next with the Calgary Flames, Eichel’s recovery timeline could shape next week in a big way.