Arizona Coyotes defenseman Michael Stone will be out for at least six months after tearing both his ACL and MCL, Coach Dave Tippett told the media Saturday. He underwent successful surgery Friday.
Stone went out with an injury during the ‘Yotes recent victory over the Philadelphia Flyers.
A six-month recovery puts his return to the ice, optimistically, at the very start of next season.
Stone has been a key, if underrated, part of the Coyotes blue line. Not having him at training camp or available during the preseason could have an impact on their ability to have a successful camp that sends them running into the season. Though Stone will be a key piece of a rebuilding roster, there are a lot of players who will be auditioning for jobs next year.
Stone should continue to play a key role for the team, including a big role on the power play. With more offensive talent coming into the team, they’ll likely stick with the four forwards, one defenseman power play, making Stone the point man on the second unit.
The 25-year-old Stone posted a career-high 30 points on the season, including 14 power play assists. He averaged the second most ice time per game on the team behind Oliver Ekman-Larsson.