NHL1 hour ago1 minute read

Matt Duchene Out Up to Three Months for Stars

Dallas Stars forward Matt Duchene will miss up to three months after having core muscle surgery.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

Long recovery ahead for veteran forward

The Dallas Stars will be without forward Matt Duchene for an extended period. The team announced on Monday that Duchene is expected to miss up to three months after having core muscle surgery.

The 35 year old forward had started the season on injured reserve. His recovery timeline means he will remain on the sidelines for several months.

Playoff exit was his last game

Duchene has not played since the end of last season. His most recent game came when the Stars were eliminated from the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Wild.

That early exit ended a strong stretch for Dallas. The defeat snapped a streak where the Stars advanced to the Western Conference Finals in three straight seasons.

Big void in the Dallas lineup

Losing Duchene takes away a key player from the team. The Stars are without one of their more productive top nine forwards, and his ability to move around will be missed. Duchene could play both down the middle at center or on the edge out on the wing.

He finished last season with 16 goals and 45 points in 57 games for Dallas.

The Stars have started the year with a 2-2-1 record. They must now find ways to generate offense without Duchene as he works his way back from surgery.

What it means for the next game

Colorado Avalanche at Dallas Stars (NHL, Wed, 14 Oct): Dallas Stars win 47%, Colorado Avalanche win 53%; projected score Dallas Stars 3, Colorado Avalanche 3. Our safest pick: Avalanche +1.5. Our best value pick: Avalanche +1.5.

Dallas Stars at Colorado Avalanche (NHL, Thu, 15 Oct): Colorado Avalanche win 53%, Dallas Stars win 47%; projected score Colorado Avalanche 3, Dallas Stars 3. Our safest pick: Under 8 goals.