Senators' Mark Stone could be out a 'very long' time with leg injury https://t.co/o5X0dnWQao pic.twitter.com/TFUK0626P4

— Ottawa Citizen (@OttawaCitizen) March 11, 2018

Mark Stone Out With Leg Injury

This injury occurred during Friday’s loss to the Calgary Flames when Flames forward Michael Ferland fell on Stone during the third period. The 25-year-old managed to play the rest of the game, however, has not appeared for practice since.

This provides further frustration for the Canadian forward, as he returned from injury just over a month ago. So far this season he has been the main contributor for the Senators. He has scored 20 goals and added 42 assists for 62 points. He has been a very disciplined player, as he has just 10 penalty minutes on the season. His possession numbers were 52 percent Corsi and a relative Corsi of 5.2.

Stone is just three points away from setting a new career high in points. The injury puts this potential feat on hold for now. With just a month to go in the regular season, he may not reach that mark at all.

It is uncertain how long Stone will be out. Coach Guy Boucher stated prior to leaving for Florida that his timetable was currently unknown. His status for the next two games is the only thing known, for now.

“We don’t know the extent of it, he’s doing testing today. We’ll see what happens there.”

Stone was drafted by the Senators in the 6th round, 178th overall, of the 2010 NHL Draft.  He has put up 95 goals and 154 assists for 249 career points in 307 career games.

What This Means for the Future

The Senators have had a poor season, currently holding on to second to last place in their division. Despite this, Stone has been a constant contributor, regardless of his injury woes this season. Currently, Stone is the team leader in points and goals, and second to only Erik Karlsson in assists.

With his absence, Boucher has bumped up Marian Gaborik to the second line. The Senators will be hoping that experience will cover the continuing lack of depth in the lineup this season. However, it’s likely they will continue to struggle unless big changes are made in the offseason.

While Stone’s next chance to suit up will be against the Dallas Stars on Friday, his team will have to face both Florida teams without him. The Senators will next be in action when they face Florida Panthers Monday night at the BB&T Centre. They will also take on the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday.

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