Stars' Duchene Out About Three Months After Core Surgery
Dallas announced that Matt Duchene underwent successful surgery for a core injury and will miss roughly three months. The 35-year-old center has not played this season and has been on long-term injured reserve since late September. Dallas has used Arttu Hyry on the third line and has about $2.2 million in cap space while Duchene is out.
Duchene, 35, is in the second year of a four-year contract carrying a $4.5 million annual salary. He has yet to appear in the current season, missing training camp, preseason, and the opener before Dallas put him on long-term injured reserve, retroactive to Sept. 29. His most recent campaign included 16 goals and 29 assists across 57 games. Since arriving in Dallas in 2023-24, he has produced 192 points in 219 contests.
While he is sidelined, Arttu Hyry has handled third-line center duties. Because Duchene sits on LTIR, Dallas holds about $2.2 million in cap room, which could allow a roster addition. Even a mid-January return would keep the club without a dependable secondary scorer for a long stretch.
The injury may affect Dallas fans and the team's competitive balance, as a veteran center's absence could reduce scoring depth and shift more responsibility to younger players. It may also influence roster decisions and cap management, potentially opening opportunities for call-ups or trades. For followers of the sport, it could serve as a reminder of how injuries can alter a season's trajectory and player careers.