As the Dallas Stars look to reclaim top spot in the Central Division, they’ll have to do so without the help of Jason Spezza for at least the next week.
The team placed the veteran centre on injured reserve Friday retroactive to Feb. 4 after the 32-year-old suffered an upper-body injury in a 4-3 overtime victory Thursday in Colorado against the Avalanche. Spezza scored the opening goal of the contest but was forced to leave in the second period after crashing into the boards following a hit from Avalanche defenceman Francois Beauchemin.
It’s unclear the severity of the injury. Spezza is in the midst of a strong second season with the Stars. He has 18 goals, 22 assists in 52 games this season.
The team recalled forward Radek Faksa from the Texas Stars. The 22-year-old is has 26 points in 28 games for the AHL club this season. The 13th-overall pick from 2012 has suited up in 18 NHL games this season, recording one goal and two assists.
The Stars host the division rival Blackhawks Saturday before a two-game road stint next week in Minnesota then back in Chicago.