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Hanzal to have back surgery, likely out for season

Phoenix Coyotes v Vancouver Canucks

VANCOUVER, BC - JANUARY 26: Martin Hanzal #11 of the Phoenix Coyotes skates against the Vancouver Canucks during their NHL game at Rogers Arena on January 26, 2014 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Ben Nelms/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Martin Hanzal

Ben Nelms

Martin Hanzal is unlikely to play again this season. The Coyotes announced today that he’ll have back surgery, rendering his chances of returning before next season “remote.”

Hanzal has eight goals and 16 assists in 37 games. A big forward who plays with an edge, it was thought the 27-year-old might be a coveted player leading up to the March 2 trade deadline.

Obviously, this news changes things.

Per Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic, Coyotes GM Don Maloney expects Hanzal to make a full recovery.

Hanzal is signed through 2016-17 for a cap hit of $3.1 million.

Related: Even Ekman-Larsson could be ‘up for grabs’ as Coyotes take ‘a step back’