The Los Angeles Kings announced that defenceman Alec Martinez underwent successful right wrist surgery. He is expected to make a full recovery.
NEWS: Alec Martinez sustained a laceration to his right wrist & underwent successful surgery to repair a radial artery and two superficial radial nerves.
He is expected to make a full recovery. https://t.co/IkGhDkkwMH
— LA Kings (@LAKings) November 26, 2019
Alec Martinez Undergoes Surgery
He was injuried in the third period of the Kings 4-3 to the San Jose Sharks on Monday night. Alec Martinez sustained a laceration to his right wrist. The injury occurred when the Kings defenceman made a headfirst dive to bat away a loose puck. The laceration was above the glove when Sharks forward Melker Karlsson lost his balance and cut Martinez’s wrist.
According to the Kings, he underwent successful surgery at a local hospital to repair a radial artery and two superficial radial nerves. Martinez is expected to make a full recovery. The Kings have listed him as week-to-week.
In 24 games this season, Alec Martinez has registered just five assists. In a little over 11 seasons playing in 580 career games, he has registered 61 goals and 134 assists. He became a fan favourite after scoring two goals during the Kings run to the 2014 Stanley Cup Championship.
First, he scored the double-overtime goal in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final against the New York Rangers. This propelled the Kings to their second title in three seasons. Along the way, Martinez also scored the overtime winner Game 7 of the 2014 Western Conference Finals against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Going Forward
With Martinez being monitored weekly, the defenceman will be out of action for the next three games. He could miss more time given his status. The most likely scenario is for Martinez to go on injured reserve. This will allow the Kings some roster flexibility to recall a player from the Ontario Reign of the AHL. In his absence, Joakim Ryan and Sean Walker should both see an uptick in ice time.
Even though his points are down this season, Martinez is an interesting case. With the team performing poorly, he is a player who could be on the move. He brings value to any team as he is a left-shot defenceman. Considering his history in the playoffs, he can fit any team that is currently in contention for the playoffs. If he can make a quick recovery, expect Martinez to raise his trade value.
This season Ryan has appeared in 11 games registering one assist. Walker has done a little better registering 10 points (four goals and six assists) in 24 games this season. Expect Walker to get more minutes and take Martinez’s time on the power play too. It will be interesting to see who the Kings call up to replace Martinez.
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