Jujhar Khaira out 10 to 12 weeks after back surgery

Chicago Blackhawks left wing Jujhar Khaira Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Blackhawks LW Jujhar Khaira undergoes back surgery, out 10 to 12 weeks

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 2/23/22

The Chicago Blackhawks have had a tough season on and off the ice, to put things mildly.

They began the campaign with nine straight losses and are still buried near the bottom of the standings. They've seen the departures of longtime general manager Stan Bowman in October and Rockford IceHogs (the team's AHL affiliate) athletic trainer D.J. Jones in February due to various scandals, among others.

On Wednesday, the team announced that one of its current players could very well be on the shelf for the rest of the campaign.

MEDICAL UPDATE: Jujhar Khaira underwent successful surgery on his lower back yesterday.

Team physician Dr. Michael Terry says he will be out of hockey activities for approximately 10-12 weeks. pic.twitter.com/gSmp1As8gc
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) February 23, 2022

Khaira was picked by the Edmonton Oilers in the third round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, and he made his professional debut in the 2015-2016 season. In his third season, Khaira set career-highs in games played (69), goals (11) and points (21), and he contributed a career-best 15 assists the following year in 2018-2019.

Following six years in Edmonton, Khaira signed with the Blackhawks in July 2021. In 27 contests this season, the 27-year-old has scored three goals.

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