Martin Hanzal will have spinal fusion surgery and miss the remainder of the season, Stars general manager Jim Nill said Friday.
Recovery time is 6-7 months, and Nill said he does not believe Hanzal's career is in jeopardy.
"As long as surgery goes well, and we're anticipating it will, there should be no problem," Nill said "But it is a major surgery."
Hanzal, 31, has played in 38 games this season. He missed most of training camp with a foot injury and then has missed games with hand, lower body, hamstring, general soreness and the back injury.