The Florida Panthers fading playoff hopes took another big blow on Friday when the team announced that centre Nick Bjugstad would miss the remainder of the regular season and playoffs should the team make it. The following is the press release from the team.
F Nick Bjugstad Undergoes Successful Back Surgery
Florida Panthers Executive Vice President and General Manager Dale Tallon announced today that F Nick Bjugstad underwent successful surgery on his lower back today at the Mayo Sports Clinic in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He will be out for the remainder of the regular season and a full recovery is expected.
“After consulting with Nick and thoroughly evaluating the extent of his injury, we mutually felt it was important to have this procedure done as soon as possible,” said Tallon. “Nick showed a tremendous amount of character over the past month, playing through an injury, while helping our club compete down the final stretch for a playoff spot. He will be closely monitored by our medical staff during his rehabilitation process and will be ready for the start of training camp in September.”
Bjugstad leads the team in goals with 24 this season and is second in points with 43, just two behind team leader Jonathan Huberdeau. The 22-year-old was drafted by the Panthers with the 19th overall pick in the first round of the 2010 NHL Draft. He has spent his entire career with the Panthers and has 41 goals and 41 assists for 82 points in 159 career NHL games.
The Panthers are currently three points out of the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, with eight games remaining in their season. However they would need to pass two teams to make the playoffs.
NEWARK, NJ – APRIL 20: Nick Bjugstad #27 of the Florida Panthers skates against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on April 20, 2013 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Panthers 6-2, (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
