A difficult season has finally come to an end for Dallas Stars forward Patrick Sharp. While he has not put up the numbers that he has in previous years, Sharp’s health has been an issue all year. Two concussions limited him to just 48 games this season. Even when on the ice, his hip issues have limited his effectiveness, as he’s put up just 8 goals and 18 points. There have also been off-ice distractions, as Sharp has watched his father battle Leukemia.
That will all come to an end on Tuesday, when Sharp goes under the knife for season ending hip surgery.
Patrick Sharp will also have season-ending hip surgery on Tuesday.
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) March 25, 2017
Patrick Sharp to Have Season Ending Surgery
There wer a lot of rumors surrounding Patrick Sharp being traded at the trade deadline. At that point the hip injury flared up and meant that he remained with the Stars. Sharp tried to play through the injury, but now with the Stars being eliminated from playoff contention (realistically if not yet mathematically), Sharp has opted to go under the knife.
When healthy, Sharp has been dangerous, as he put up 20 goals and 55 points in 76 games last year for Dallas. The year before that 16 goals and 43 points in 68 games in Chicago before he was sent to the Stars to clear some cap space.
Sharp is currently in the last year of his deal that pays him $5.9 million per season and is set to be an unrestricted free agent on July 1st. Despite Sharp being 35, he can play both in the top six and the bottom six as he’s a really good depth player and can score from anywhere on the ice.
For his efforts this season, Sharp was named the Stars nominee for the Masterton Trophy for sportsmanship, perseverance and dedication to hockey.
“It shows what kind of person he is and what kind of hockey player and leader he is,” said Stars captain Jamie Benn. “I think that’s why he’s a winner at every level he’s played at. I think that’s why he’s a great leader for this team and a great guy for a lot of these young guys to look up to.”
Main Photo:
DETROIT, MI – NOVEMBER 29: Patrick Sharp #10 of the Dallas Stars skates while playing the Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena on November 29, 2016 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 3-1. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
