Matt Hunwick's season is over.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are shutting down the defenseman, and he'll undergo surgery for a recurring sports hernia injury, head coach Mike Babcock announced.
Hunwick says he has "soreness in areas that he won't describe on TV."
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) March 8, 2016
Hunwick, 31 in the spring, finishes with two goals and eight assists in 60 games. He averaged 22:34 in ice time, and had a 47 Corsi For rating, according to Hockey Reference. He's under contract for next season at $1.2 million.
Martin Marincin will take over for Hunwick.
Babcock on Marincin: "We think he's got a lot of potential." He will now play on the top pair with Rielly with Hunwick out for season.
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) March 8, 2016
Viktor Loov was recalled by Toronto on an emergency basis earlier Tuesday, and should be in the lineup Wednesday.
With all the injuries and trades, 25-year-old Jake Gardiner is now the oldest active defenseman on the Maple Leafs' roster.
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