Malhotra has eye surgery; prognosis 6-8 weeks away
Former Storm centre and current Vancouver Canucks forward Manny Malhotra has undergone a second surgery on his injured left eye, the Canucks said Tuesday.
The veteran centre, who took a puck in the face March 16 against the Colorado Avalanche, underwent the surgical procedure in New York City.
TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie reports that the procedure went as well as could be expected and it will be a number of weeks, maybe as many as six to eight, before a firm prognosis can be made. McKenzie reports that medical people were apparently pleased with how Tuesday’s procedure went and if it’s ultimately successful, there is a chance Malhotra could one day resume his career. But at this point it’s too early to engage in that type of speculation.
“Manny Malhotra’s health continues to be the primary concern of the hockey club,” the Canucks’ statement read. “Progress updates will be made available at the appropriate time. No further comment is planned at this time.”
The 30-year-old Malhotra signed a $7.5-million, three-year contract as a free agent last summer and was second in the NHL with a 61.7 per cent faceoff win percentage when he was injured. He had 11 goals and 30 points in 72 games.
Originally selected by the Storm in the first round of the 1996 OHL Priority Selection, Malhotra spent his entire junior career with Guelph. The popular forward helped lead the Storm to the finals of the 1998 Memorial Cup in Spokane where the club lost in overtime versus Portland.
