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Panthers' Bjugstad to miss rest of regular season after back surgery

Marc DesRosiers / USA TODAY Sports

Florida Panthers forward Nick Bjugstad will not play in the final eight games of the regular season after undergoing lower-back surgery Friday.

Bjugstad missed Tuesday's loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning and Thursday's win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The 22-year-old scored 24 goals and added 19 assists in 72 games.

“After consulting with Nick and thoroughly evaluating the extent of his injury, we mutually felt it was important to have this procedure done as soon as possible,” Panthers general manager Dale Tallon said.

“Nick showed a tremendous amount of character over the past month, playing through an injury while helping our club compete down the final stretch for a playoff spot. He will be closely monitored by our medical staff during his rehabilitation process and will be ready for the start of training camp in September.”

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