The Dallas Stars began training camp on Thursday, however, forward Martin Hanzal will not be taking to the ice -- at least not right away.
Signed by Dallas to a three-year, $14.25 million contract on the first day of free agency, Hanzal is dealing with an ankle sprain, per Mark Stepneski of the Stars’ website.
So far, there doesn’t seem to be a specific timeline for when the 6-foot-6 center could return to the ice.
Hitchcock said the ankle injury was sustained while working out with players here in Texas not an injury dating back to last season. https://t.co/1gxqmzmyBA
— Scott Burnside (@OvertimeScottB) September 14, 2017
The Stars made a number of big moves this offseason. It started with the hiring of Ken Hitchcock behind the bench, and continued with the acquisition of goalie Ben Bishop and defenseman Marc Methot, and the additions of Hanzal and Alex Radulov in free agency.
Dallas had a disappointing 2016-17 campaign, missing the playoffs after finishing as the top Western Conference team during the 2015-16 regular season.
Signing Hanzal provides the Stars with a versatile center, capable of playing in a shutdown role or perhaps moving into a top-six spot if Hitchcock decides that’s an option.