Dallas Stars forward Matt Duchene underwent surgery for a core injury and is expected to miss approximately three months, the team announced Monday.
The 35-year-old has not played this season. Dallas placed him on long-term injured reserve October 1 after he dealt with a lower-body problem during training camp.
Coach Glen Gulutzan said the initial approach was to give Duchene time to work through the issue. Further evaluations led to the decision to operate, NHL.com reported.
Duchene recorded 16 goals and 29 assists in 57 regular-season games last season, then added nine points in six playoff games. His absence removes a proven scorer from a Dallas offense that has been slow to begin the new season.
The Stars were 2–2–1 entering Monday, averaging 2.20 goals per game. The team will continue to seek offense from other parts of its lineup while Duchene recovers.
The announced three-month period is an estimate, rather than a guaranteed date for a return to games. His recovery and later clearance will determine when he can rejoin the lineup.
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