Jake McCabe is expected to miss 10-12 weeks after the Chicago Blackhawks defenseman had cervical spine surgery, the team announced Tuesday.
The 28-year-old had 22 points (four goals, 18 assists) and averaged 20:18 of ice time in 75 games last season, his first with the Blackhawks after agreeing to a four-year, $16 million contract ($4 million average annual value) July 28, 2021.
The Blackhawks open training camp Sept. 21 and began the season at the Colorado Avalanche on Oct. 12.
McCabe has dealt with injuries the past few seasons. He missed the final 42 games of the 2020-21 season with the Buffalo Sabers after sustaining injuries to the ACL, MCL and meniscus in his right knee in a game against the New Jersey Devils on Feb. 20, 2021. He missed the final 29 games of the 2017-18 season with a shoulder injury sustained against the Anaheim Ducks on Feb. 6, 2018.
Selected by the Sabers in the second round (No. 44) in the 2012 NHL Draft, McCabe has 99 points (22 goals, 77 assists) in 428 regular-season games with the Sabers and Blackhawks.
Chicago forward prospect Jalen Luypen is expected to miss 14-18 weeks after having surgery on his left rotator cuff. The 20-year-old, selected by the Blackhawks in the seventh round (No. 216) of the 2021 NHL Draft, signed a three-year, entry-level contract Aug. 2. He had 64 points (29 goals, 35 assists) in 66 games for Edmonton of the Western Hockey League last season.
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