After being placed on injured reserve back on November 29, Kris Versteeg has decided to undergo hip surgery that will keep him out of the Calgary Flames‘ lineup on a month-to-month basis.
Kris Versteeg Out Month to Month After Hip Surgery
A season ago, Kris Versteeg found himself in camp trying to prove his worth to the Edmonton Oilers on a professional try-out. He impressed enough to earn an NHL contract, just not with the Oilers. The Calgary Flames swooped in and snagged the veteran winger, becoming a solid addition to their top nine.
Versteeg appeared in 69 games for Calgary in 2016-17, where he scored 15 goals and 37 points. His production was good enough for Flames general manager Brad Treliving to bring him back for another season, with a significant upgrade to $1.75 million, after making $950,000 the year prior.
With the addition of Jaromir Jagr, Mark Jankowski, and increased production from Micheal Ferland, Kris Versteeg was in a tough spot ice-time wise. Through 22 games, the 31-year-old had just three goals and eight points.
Things only got worse when Versteeg suffered a hip injury against the Dallas Stars, missing two games before being placed on injured reserve by the Flames. On Tuesday, Versteeg decided to undergo surgery which will likely keep him out of the lineup for much of the season.
Flames forward Kris Versteeg is having hip surgery today and will be out long term. Considered. month to month.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) December 4, 2017
Career-Ending Concern
Currently listed as month-to-month, Versteeg has had hip issues in the past. Back in 2012, he had a similar injury. He was limited to just 28 games over two years with the Florida Panthers in 2011-12 and 2012-13. This time around, at 31, there are concerns his career may be done. After all, he was fighting for his NHL life just one year ago in camp with the Oilers.
Although there is some concern, Flames GM Brad Treliving believes Versteeg will return to NHL ice. Last Friday, Treliving said “[Versteeg’s] not an old man. He’s got a lot of hockey left in him.” Regardless, Versteeg has been in and out of the lineup his entire career, and with an injury this serious, one has to wonder if this is it for the two-time Stanley Cup Champion.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
