Duchene out about three months after core surgery

Matt Duchene is expected to miss about three months after surgery to repair a core injury, the Dallas Stars announced on Monday, Oct. 12.

The 35-year-old forward has not played this season. Dallas placed him on long-term injured reserve, retroactive to Sept. 29, and recalled Colin Blackwell and Arttu Hyry from the Texas Stars on Oct. 1.

The surgery extends an absence that Dallas initially said would keep Duchene out for its first 10 regular-season games. Coach Glen Gulutzan said in the club's Oct. 2 game-day guide that the team would be cautious with his return after he had struggled to progress during the preceding weeks.

Duchene dealt with a lower-body injury throughout training camp. Gulutzan described a setback on Sept. 30, when the forward was skating before practice and being monitored by the team.

Duchene recorded 45 points — 16 goals and 29 assists — in 57 regular-season games last season. He added two goals and seven assists in six playoff games.