Deja vu all over again. Detroit Red Wings prospect Jared McIssac underwent left shoulder surgery after suffering an injury while playing in Finland. The recovery period is expected to be between five and six months, something McIsaac is very familiar with after undergoing a similar procedure on his right shoulder just prior to the 2019-20 season.
Selected with the 36th overall pick in 2018, McIssac was a steal for the Red Wings in the second round given his ranking by almost every scouting service. This was a player who had taken home the defensive rookie of the year award in 2017 after being picked second in the QMJHL draft, won gold at the Hlinka-Gretzky tournament, and looked like a future top-four NHL defenseman. Unfortunately, that development has been stalled by two major injuries now, which certainly raises questions about his future.
Still, after the last surgery, McIssac still returned in time to suit up for Team Canada at the most recent World Junior Championship, starring for the team and taking home a gold medal. He ended up playing in 28 games at the QMJHL level, recording 19 points.
If he can complete a similar rehab and get back on the ice by the end of this season, the Red Wings will be able to see what they have. At just 20 years old there is still plenty of time for him to get his development back on track, but we won’t see him in a Detroit sweater for a while.
shame he has had this happen to him. he was fun to watch in person at the Moosehead games.
Disappointing, he was one I was looking forward to seeing play this year.
Future at this point doesn’t look good, some just can’t stay healthy.