Coyotes' Martin Hanzal likely out for season after back surgery

Arizona Coyotes center Martin Hanzal will likely miss the rest of the season after undergoing back surgery, the team announced Thursday. "The likelihood of him

Arizona Coyotes center Martin Hanzal will likely miss the rest of the season after undergoing back surgery, the team announced Thursday.

 "The likelihood of him returning this season is remote but we do anticipate a full recovery," Coyotes GM Don Maloney said, according to the team's website. 

The injury has been bothering Hanzal for the past two or three seasons, Maloney said, and forced him to be placed on injured reserve on Jan. 30. He has missed 18 games this season with the injury. 

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Hanzal, an alternate captain, was the Coyotes' first-round draft pick in 2005 and has played eight NHL seasons with the team. He played at least 72 games in each of his first three seasons but has not played more than 65 games in any season since.

Hanzal is seventh on the team in points this season for the Coyotes, who are in second-to-last place in the Western Conference.

- Dan Gartland