Hurricanes D Jake Gardiner to miss upcoming season

Hip and back surgeries will prevent Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jake Gardiner from playing this season, general manager Don Waddell said Sunday.

Waddell did not divulge when Gardiner's surgeries would take place. The 31-year-old veteran is expected to be placed on long-term injured reserve.

Gardiner recorded eight assists in 26 games during his injury-marred season of 2020-21. He missed five games from Feb. 25-March