VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA (AP) - Vancouver Canucks forward Manny Malhotra had a second operation on his left eye Tuesday, but the team declined to reveal any details of his condition.
The Canucks said in a brief statement that Malhotra’s surgery, that took place in New York, was successful. The decision for Malhotra to have another operation was made after consultation with specialists and team doctors.
The 30-year-old Malhotra was struck in the face by a puck on March 16 in a game against the Colorado Avalanche. He wasn’t wearing a visor when a long pass deflected up into his face.
“Manny Malhotra’s health continues to be the primary concern of the hockey club,” the statement said. “Progress updates will be made available at the appropriate time.”
Malhotra had surgery the night he was injured, and five days later, the Canucks said that the third-line center would miss the rest of the season and the playoffs.
Malhotra, who signed a three-year, $7.5-million contract last summer to anchor a shutdown third line, was second in the NHL at 61.7 percent on faceoffs.
He was also a key part of Vancouver’s penalty-killing unit that improved from 18th in the NHL to second. In 72 games this season, Malhotra had 11 goals and 19 assists.
Malhotra is married to the sister of NBA star Steve Nash. Nash recently spoke of Malhotra’s injury during halftime of the MLS’ Vancouver Whitecaps, a team partially owned by Nash.
“When you talk about possibly permanent vision to somebody’s vision that’s scary,” Nash said. “I know he’s a very tough guy and a great person but we’re all just thinking about him and really worried and hoping he can come back, not only to play hockey but just get his vision back and be comfortable and live the life he deserves to live.”
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