Miles Wood's Absence Felt On and Off the Ice | BLOG

Since Oct. 4 and the Devils' preseason game against the Washington Capitals, forward Miles Wood has been out with an undisclosed injury. On Monday, the Devils organization announced that
Wood has undergone surgery on his right hip
after "exhausting all conservative measures, and in consultation with team medical providers and external specialists," according to the Devils release.
"It's a huge loss on and off the ice," Devils forward Michael McLeod said after Monday's practice. "He plays a huge role on our team in different situations - whether it's on the power play or creating the energy and scoring goals."

Fellow alternate captain Damon Severson discussed the leadership Wood brings to the lineup.
"We've missed him in the first 10 games here. Speed is the first thing that comes to mind, the work ethic, brings good leadership, brings it every night, every day in practice," Severson said about the impact Wood has in the lineup.
Devils head coach Lindy Ruff agreed on the speed Wood brings to the lineup and said surgery was the only option to help the winger recover.
"That speed on the ice, the way he can back teams off … part of our speed game is missing without Miles in the lineup," Ruff said. "We exhausted every plan of attack to see if we could get him back to play and this is where we ended up."
Although Wood will not join the Devils on the ice any time soon, his teammates hope he's still around.
"Off the ice we hope to still see him around," said McLeod. "I'm wishing him the best in his recovery and hopefully he comes back stronger."