Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene is slated to miss three months following core muscle surgery that he underwent on Monday.
According to general manager Jim Nill, he is expected to be sidelined through mid-January 2027.
The 35-year-old veteran attempted to work through the injury but faced a significant setback during the team’s road trip to Minnesota that wrapped up the NHL preseason. He was placed on long-term injured reserve retroactive to Sept. 29.
The team has recalled forwards Colin Blackwell and Arttu Hyry, who will take over during Duchene’s absence. The injury bug has continued to impact Duchene’s playing time, as he only played in 57 regular-season games last season because of a vestibular concussion.