{"id":25128,"date":"2018-03-09T14:00:01","date_gmt":"2018-03-09T19:00:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=25128"},"modified":"2018-03-09T14:00:01","modified_gmt":"2018-03-09T19:00:01","slug":"dallas-stars-forward-martin-hanzal-done-for-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2018\/03\/09\/dallas-stars-forward-martin-hanzal-done-for-season\/","title":{"rendered":"Dallas Stars Forward Martin Hanzal Done for Season"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Dallas Stars<\/a> announced today that\u00a0forward Martin Hanzal<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0is set to have season-ending back surgery.<\/p>\n

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Stars GM Jim Nill<\/a> said that in the coming days, Martin Hanzal will be having season ending back surgery. Recovery time is expected to be 6-7 months.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) March 9, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Martin Hanzal Done for the Year<\/h1>\n

The 31-year-old has been out for more than two weeks, his last start was a 2-0 loss to the Anaheim Ducks<\/a>. His spinal-fusion surgery carries an estimated recovery time of six to seven months making his availability for the beginning of next season in doubt as well.<\/p>\n

This off-season Hanzal signed a three-year deal worth $14.25 million<\/a>. So far this season he has appeared in 38 games notching five goals, one being a game-winner, and five assists totalling 10 points. Hanzal also had 23 penalty minutes and was a -14 in +- this season. His possession numbers also showed a struggling season putting up a 47.6 percent Corsi, and -4.3 Corsi relative. He has been a\u00a0negative player when he is on the ice.<\/p>\n

What This Means for the Stars<\/b><\/strong><\/h2>\n

The Dallas Stars are currently holding down the first wildcard spot in the Western Conference. Although their lead is only by one point over the Los Angeles Kings<\/a>. In fact, the Stars are only two points from being outside of a playoff spot.<\/p>\n

Hanzal\u2019s point totals this year have been a bit of a disappointment however the forward has been in the NHL since 2012 and this type of experience can prove to be invaluable for a franchise looking to make a late-season run at the playoffs and potentially have a shot at the Stanley Cup.<\/p>\n

While the surgery comes with a long-term recovery period back injuries can come with even more complications causing the injuries to carry on well past the estimated recovery time. Look no further than Minnesota Wild<\/a> forward Zach Parise<\/a><\/strong> who had surgery who had back surgery back in October 2017, with only an estimated two month recovery time he would end up missing more than eight months.<\/p>\n

The Stars have yet to make a corresponding roster transaction with this announcement today. However, clearly Hanzal will be placed on injured reserve and a player from the AHL affiliate Texas Stars will most likely receive a call-up.<\/p>\n

Main Photo:
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>