Florida Panthers forward Nick Bjugstad had successful surgery on his lower back Friday.
Bjugstad is out for the season and a full recovery is expected, the Panthers said.
"After consulting with Nick and thoroughly evaluating the extent of his injury, we mutually felt it was important to have this procedure done as soon as possible," Florida general manager Dale Tallon said. "Nick showed a tremendous amount of character over the past month, playing through an injury, while helping our club compete down the final stretch for a playoff spot. He will be closely monitored by our medical staff during his rehabilitation process and will be ready for the start of training camp in September."
Bjugstad, 22, had 24 goals and 19 assists in 72 games in his second full NHL season. He last played March 21.
The Panthers are three points behind the Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins for the second wild card into the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Eastern Conference.
Florida plays at the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday (7 p.m. ET; TVA Sports, CITY, FS-F).