Coyotes' Hanzal to undergo back surgery, likely out for season
The Arizona Coyotes will have one less trade chip heading into the March 2 deadline.
General manager Don Maloney announced Thursday center Martin Hanzal will undergo back surgery that will likely keep him out for the remainder of the regular season, as first reported by Craig Morgan of FOX Sports.
Hanzal has been out of the lineup since Jan. 29, but was believed to be attracting attention from suitors on the trade market who hoped he would be able to get back on the ice sooner than later.
Maloney, however, appears to view Hanzal as an important piece moving forward, and may have been reluctant to move him barring an impressive offer.
Don Maloney on Martin Hanzal: "He's still a young man. We've got to get him better. We need to get him where he's healthy & can help us win"
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) February 12, 2015
The 27-year-old scored eight goals and added 16 assists in 37 games prior to the injury.