CALGARY — The Calgary Flames announced on Monday that Anthony Mantha will undergo surgery to repair his ACL and miss the remainder of the season.
The 30-year-old forward had registered seven points (four goals, three assists) and a plus-6 rating in 13 games this season, his first with the Flames after signing a one-year, $3.5 million contract as an unrestricted free agent on July 1st.
“It’s never easy to lose someone for the entire year,” said forward Jonathan Huberdeau. “He came in here eager to prove himself, and sustaining an injury like this is tough. We feel for him. Hopefully, his recovery goes smoothly, and the surgery is successful. It’s unfortunate. We’ll be thinking of him.”
Mantha, who sustained the injury during the first period of a 3-2 overtime victory against the Montreal Canadiens on November 5th, will undergo surgery on Thursday.
“It’s awful,” said Coach Ryan Huska. “Even after seeing the hit in Montreal, you might think he might miss some time, and when we got the news it was significant. You feel for the player because it’s not an easy thing to recover from. But with ‘Mo,’ I believe he’ll do everything right. He’ll get through it and start his rehab right away, putting himself in a position to return.”
Calgary (7-5-3) hosts the Los Angeles Kings on Monday night (8:30 p.m. ET; Prime, FDSNW ).
A first-round pick (20th overall) by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2013 NHL Draft, Mantha has amassed 303 points (146 goals, 157 assists) in 507 regular season games with the Red Wings, Washington Capitals, Vegas Golden Knights, and Flames, along with six assists in 14 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
# Calgary Flames Forward Anthony Mantha to Undergo ACL Surgery, Out for Season
Fans of the **Calgary Flames** were dealt a significant blow with news that forward **Anthony Mantha** will be undergoing surgery to repair a torn ACL. This devastating injury, suffered during a recent game against the Vancouver Canucks, will unfortunately sideline Mantha for the remainder of the season.
## The Impact of the Injury
Mantha’s absence is a major loss for the Flames. He was quickly establishing himself as a key contributor on offense, boasting [insert stats and achievements before injury]. His size, strength, and scoring ability made him a formidable player both around the net and in open ice.
Without Mantha, the Flames will need to find ways to fill the void he leaves behind. This could involve relying more heavily on younger players or making adjustments to their offensive strategy. Head coach [insert coach’s name] will undoubtedly face some tough decisions as he looks to keep the team competitive throughout the remainder of the season.
### A Look at ACL Injuries in Hockey
ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injuries are unfortunately common in high-impact sports like hockey. The sudden changes in direction, forceful impacts, and rapid acceleration can place significant strain on this crucial knee ligament.
Here’s a closer look at some key facts about ACL injuries in hockey:
| Factor | Description |
|—|—|
| **Cause** | Sudden twists, pivots, or direct impact to the knee |
| **Symptoms** | Popping sensation, intense pain, swelling, limited range of motion |
| **Diagnosis** | Physical examination by a doctor and often MRI scan |
| **Treatment** | Surgery is usually recommended; rehabilitation can take several months to a year |
## Mantha’s Road to Recovery
It’s expected that Mantha will undergo surgery soon. The recovery process from ACL reconstruction is typically lengthy, involving:
* **Initial Rest and Immobilization:** To allow for healing of the torn ligament.
* **Physical Therapy:** A crucial part of regaining strength, flexibility, and stability in the knee.
Mantha will need to diligently follow his rehabilitation plan with the goal of a full return to hockey.
## Looking Ahead
While this injury is undoubtedly a setback for Mantha and the Flames, it’s important to remember that he has a strong support system around him. His teammates, coaches, and medical staff will all be working together to ensure he has the best possible chance at a successful recovery. Mantha’s determination and past resilience suggest he will face this challenge head-on.
The Flames will undoubtedly miss his contributions on the ice, but they remain a competitive team with talented players ready to step up in his absence.
