Ottawa Senators’ Filip Kuba to miss five to six weeks with broken leg
Filip Kuba was off to a promising start with the Ottawa Senators during training camp. He had just recovered from a successful back surgery during the off-season, and was ready for what
awaited him.
However, Kuba suffered another injury during the Senators’ traning camp. During a practice session, the veteran defenceman broke his right leg, which will cause him to miss five to six
weeks.
“We're really disappointed for Filip,” Senators general manager Bryan Murray said of the injury. “He looked great in the couple days I came over and watched him skate. And I know he's
really frustrated that would happen.”
On the plus side, Kuba’s leg will not require any surgery, which will hopefully allow for a faster recovery time. The injury could not have come at a worse time for the 11-year National
Hockey League veteran, as he felt he was ready to compete once again with a healthy back.
“It's...disappointing for a veteran player that had prepared himself to come back after surgery and then for this to happen,” Murray said. “I guess if it's going to happen it's better
to happen early.”
The 33-year-old Kuba, who was an eighth-round draft pick (192nd overall) of the Florida Panthers in 1995, posted totals of three goals and 25 assists for 28 points in 53 games last season.
Kuba had been traded to the Senators from the Tampa Bay Lightning on 29 August 2008, and has spent two seasons in Ottawa thus far.
Kuba’s injury will force the Senators’ management to take a longer look at some of the other defencemen in training camp. Highly-touted prospect Brian Lee is one of the many young hopefuls
who will be under the microscope.
“It's an opportunity,” said fellow defenceman Chris Campoli. "We're deep on the blueline, and there are guys out there with something to prove. We've got to fill the void. and there
are opportunities for guys to make the team that maybe would have had a tough time because of the numbers. I'd expect nothing other than real competitive battles and guys being ready to play."
In 655 career NHL games, Kuba has put up 61 goals and 214 assists for a total of 275 points.
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