Chicago Blackhawks forward Tyler Johnson on Dec. 3 had artificial disc replacement surgery three weeks after Jack Eichel of the Vegas Golden Knights went under the knife for the same procedure, according to the NHL.
On Nov. 12, neurosurgeon Chad Prusmack, MD, operated on Mr. Eichel at Rocky Mountain Spine Clinic in Denver. It was the first disc replacement to be performed on an active NHL player.
The Golden Knights reportedly traded for Mr. Eichel after an ongoing battle over his treatment with his former team, the Buffalo Sabres, who preferred spinal fusion, according to the Chicago Tribune.
The NHL on Dec. 2 shared a video on Twitter of Mr. Eichel returning to the ice.
It has not been reported who performed Mr. Johnson's spine surgery.