Cole Caufield ended his season to have surgery on his right shoulder. If there’s anyone who can understand the Canadiens’ mindset and approach going forward, it’s defenseman Jonathan Aspirot.
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The Quebecer had to make the same decision as Caufield at the end of his final season with the Belleville Senators in the American League.
“It’s not an easy decision,” explained Jonathan Aspirot. At the end of a season we take a month off. With surgery, your break will be closer to four to six months before you can play a game again. It’s a long process. »
“Before you go in this direction, you have to consider many things, such as: B. Your contractual situation, the point in time of the operation in your career and medical reports. »
After discussions with Ottawa Senators, Aspirot and his agent Paul Hamel decided to have surgery to repair an injury that had been going on for several years.
“I injured my right shoulder in the 2020/21 season. I played with discomfort for two years. I had a partial tear in the labrum, but backwards. »
“In such a situation, the shoulder is less unstable than if the tear had been in the front. If Caufield’s shoulder was unstable, his tear may have been anterior to the labrum. »
A long way
A long road began for Aspirot after his surgery, which led him to a return to gaming on December 26th.
“It wasn’t easy to see the other players fighting for a place at the beginning of the year,” explained the 23-year-old defender. During this time, you focus on the things you need to get done and your own progress. »
“I still went to camp to do treatments and start strengthening exercises. It made me feel good to be with the guys and to be in a hockey atmosphere,” he continues.
a little hesitation
During his return to skating, Aspirot tried not to think too much about the injury that caused him to be inactive for several months.
“Regardless of the nature of the injury, there is always a bit of hesitation. After an operation you always have one month of complete training with or without contact lenses. We’re going there little by little. »
“After a few sessions, I tested my shoulder with one-on-one fights. All of this will help you prepare for your first games. »
In his first game against the Senators, he felt relieved.
“It was a bit stressful. I’ve never gone a summer without touching the ice. The preparation process was really different. »
“When I jumped on the ice, I felt like a kid on his first game in life. Everything went really well,” he concluded.
In his first 12 games this season, Jonathan Aspirot has six points and a +3 rating.