Michael Nylander to undergo possible career-ending surgery
Centre Michael Nylander was known as one of the greatest playmakers when he played in the National Hockey League. He last played for the Washington Capitals during the 2008-09 season,
but was later loaned to the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League.
The 19-year veteran’s career may be in danger after suffering from a broken vertebra in his neck during a game against the Grand Rapids Griffins. Nylander was hit from behind by Griffins
defenceman Brendan Smith, falling head-first into the boards. Afterward, he made his way over to the Americans’ bench, and then headed for the team’s dressing room. He did not return to the game.
Medical staff has revealed that it will be a minimum of six months before Nylander can return to playing hockey again. By that time, he will nearing 40 years of age, thus placing his return
to the game in doubt.
Americans head coach Chuck Weber said that Nylander will have some big decisions to make once he recovers from his injuries.
“He’ll definitely have to do some soul-searching when he has recovered...The little bit I do know him, I don’t think this is the way he’ll want to go out.”
Nylander is presently in the final year of a four-year contract that he signed with the Capitals before the start of the 2007-08 season. He is slated to earn a $3 million salary from the
Caps, while the Florida Panthers, who the affiliated with the Americans, will pay $100,000 to the Capitals for Nylander’s services.
In an NHL career that has spanned 920 games, Nylander has played with numerous NHL teams, which included two stints with the Capitals. The native of Stockholm, Sweden was originally drafted
59th overall by the Hartford Whalers in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft. He has scored 209 goals and 470 assists for a total of 679 points.
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