The Carolina Hurricanes are expected to be without defenceman James Wisniewski for at least six months. The 31-year-old will undergo surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
Wisniewski suffered an injury during the Hurricanes’ season opener versus the Nashville Predators Thursday night. He played just 47 seconds before he lost his footing near the boards while tangled with Predators forward Viktor Arvidsson.
The Hurricanes acquired Wisniewski via trade on June 27 when they sent goaltender Anton Khudobin to the Anaheim Ducks.
Wisniewski scored eight goals and 34 points in 69 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Ducks in 2014-15.
Wisniewski is in the fifth year of a six-year, $33-million contract he signed with the Blue Jackets in 2011.