Don’t expect to see Canucks head coach Willie Desjardins pacing behind the team’s bench during the NHL pre-season. He may not make it back until Oct. 7 — opening night, and even then it’ll be a rather gingerly stroll.
The Canucks announced this morning the 58-year-old Desjardins, who is entering his second season in charge of the team, underwent surgery on Tuesday to treat a pre-existing hip condition.
“Willie has been dealing with the chronic discomfort for a long time and our medical staff has been monitoring it since he joined us last year. Unfortunately his hip deteriorated rapidly in recent weeks and it required immediate attention,” general manager Jim Benning said in a statement.