The Winnipeg Jets will likely be without captain Adam Lowry for the start of the 2025-26 NHL season.
On Wednesday, the Jets announced that Lowry had undergone hip surgery with a recovery time around five-to-six months.
Having the major procedure on May 27, five to six months' time would mean Lowry's soonest availability for Winnipeg would be end of October. Should his recovery take the full half-year, he wouldn't be back in action until late-November.
Lowry, who has spent his full 11-year NHL career with Winnipeg has served the last two seasons as team captain, taking over from Blake Wheeler. He has just one season left on his contract paying him $3.25 million annually. Lowry spoke openly about his desire to sign a long-term contract once he becomes eligible for an extension this summer.
“I love playing in Winnipeg," Lowry shared. I've been very fortunate to have been here my whole career, drafted, played in St. John's, came up through the ranks and just finished my 11th year here. That's kind of how I picture myself as a Winnipeg Jet for life.
"I love the city, love playing in front of these fans and I think that's something that hopefully we can take steps towards getting that out of the way this summer. There's obviously a few more important pieces that will probably get done before. But I don't see that being an issue. As long as they want to bring me back, I'm more than happy to come back. It's such a great place to play.”
Lowry put up a career-high 16 goals to go alongside 34 points and 28 penalty minutes in 73 contests for the Jets this season. He has 121 goals, 273 points and 420 penalty minutes in 775 career games. Lowry's scored 15 times and picked up 24 points and 37 penalty minutes in 62 postseason showings over eight seasons.