ANAHEIM, Calif. – Anaheim Ducks left wing Jason Blake will be out for three months with tendon damage in his left forearm caused by a severe cut.
Blake will have surgery next week to repair his arm, the Ducks announced Saturday.
Blake was injured midway through the third period of Anaheim's 1-0 victory over San Jose on Friday night. After Blake fell down while trying to play the puck out of a faceoff, Sharks defenseman Brent Burns' skate accidentally cut him just above his left wrist.
"This was an unfortunate, freak accident, but we are pleased to hear that Jason is expected to make a full and complete recovery," Ducks general manager Bob Murray said. "He's a real character person and teammate, and we look forward to having him back in our lineup when he's ready."
Blake spent the night at UC Irvine Medical Center. Dr. David Hay will perform corrective surgery on Blake's tendons Monday at the Kerlan-Jobe Clinic in Los Angeles.
The 38-year-old Blake is entering his third season with the Ducks after recording 16 goals and 16 assists last season as a gritty two-way forward. He skates on Anaheim's second line with Saku Koivu and Teemu Selanne.
Blake has been a durable pro, playing in at least 75 games every season since 2000-01.
The Minnesota native was diagnosed with cancer in October 2007, but played every game in the ensuing season with Toronto despite losing 10 pounds while undergoing treatment. Blake won the Masterton Trophy for perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.
Blake played for Los Angeles, the New York Islanders and Toronto before Anaheim acquired him from the Maple Leafs on Jan. 30, 2010, in a trade for goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere.
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