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Coyotes: Michael Stone Out Six Months

By Richard Duflo

Feb 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes defenseman Michael Stone (26) passes the puck during the second period against the Dallas Stars at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes defenseman Michael Stone (26) passes the puck during the second period against the Dallas Stars at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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Arizona Coyotes head coach Dave Tippett announced on Saturday that defenseman Michael Stone underwent successful surgery on Friday to repair injuries to his ACL and MCL in his left leg.

It’s going to require at least six months of recovery time before Stone is able to get back out on the ice.

Stone was injured on March 26 in the third period against the Philadelphia Flyers. Stone and Flyers forward Michael Raffl went into the boards tangled up with each other and Stone’s leg bent in a very awkward position as he fell to the ice. It was clear from the moment it happened that it was a serious injury, and today it was announced just how serious.

It’s unfortunate for anyone to get injured, but this one really hurts the Coyotes. During the 2015-16 season, defense was a top priority for Arizona. Stone emerged as a very solid defenseman that was in the midst of a breakout season offensively. Stone played 75 games this season tallying a career high six goals and 30 assists.

The season is coming to an end, but the consequences of the injury could still affect the Coyotes. If recovery and rehab all go well, a six month recovery window would place Stone’s return at the beginning of next season. That means he won’t be able to participate in any of the offseason practices or workouts. Six months is going to be a long time away from the ice with very little preparation time for the 2016-17 season.

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As the offseason draws closer, defense appeared to be an area that was in need of addressing this offseason, and this was prior the injury to Stone. After the injury, you can certainty expect the Coyotes to be involved in the market for defense.

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