Skate Cuts Karlsson's Achilles against Penguins, The Ottawa Senators' Defenseman Will Miss Rest of Season After Surgery

Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson will likely miss the remainder of the season after a skate blade sliced his Achilles tendon Wednesday night. Karlsson underwent surgery Thursday morning.

Karlsson won the Norris Trophy for best defender last year, but now his promising 2013 season has come to an end. The Senator's Achilles was cut when he got tangled with Pittsburg Penguin's Matt Cooke along the boards, according to ESPN.

Estimated average recovery time for such an injury is three to four months, which means that Karlsson could return in time for the playoffs, given the Senators are still contenders. Without their star defender, their playoffs hopes certainly take a hindering hit. 

Senators general manager Bryan Murray said that the surgery will repair 70 percent of Karlsson's Achilles, but that his "season is effectively over."

Thus far in the 2013 season, Karlsson leads NHL defensemen with six goals. He had scored three goals in his last four games.

"It's a tough blow," said Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson. "Obviously, the ways he's playing, and how much he means to our team, it feels terrible and I feel really bad for him."

Immediately following the incident, Karlsson skated off the ice in visible pain and was taken back to the locker rooms.

"You knew right away there was an issue. He's a player who is irreplaceable. It's unfortunate, but there are no words that can explain what we are feeling," said Senators goalie Craig Anderson.

Cooke has been suspended on multiple occasions for blows to the head and other dangerous plays on the ice. Although this time, the accident was deemed accidental. There will be no hearing or disciplinary action taken against Cooke.

"I can't rationalize where that was a dirty play or anything with intent," said Penguins general manager. "It's emotional. I know how it feels like. It's very unfortunate. I would not be defending Matt Cooke if I thought it was a dirty hockey play."

Regardless of any malicious intent, this is a serious blow to the Ottawa Senators early on in the season. Without their star defenseman, the Senators will have to make serious adjustments on the ice.