Eichel returns to Sabres practice

The Buffalo Sabres welcomed back a familiar face Tuesday morning, as Jack Eichel returned to practice for the first time in nearly a month.

Eichel has been out since Feb. 10 with a high-ankle sprain, but it appears he's nearing a return. He resumed skating March 4.

With the Sabres sitting second-last in the NHL and battling Arizona and Vancouver for the best draft lottery odds to select Rasmus Dahlin, they likely want to take their time in bringing back their leading scorer.