Players in the National Hockey League Experience Position-Specific Variations in Recovery and Performance After Shoulder Surgery

Abstract

Purpose

To determine the rate of return to play (RTP) and level of performance in National Hockey League (NHL) players after shoulder surgery from 2000 to 2020.

Methods

Data on NHL players undergoing shoulder surgery from 2000 to 2020 were collected from prosportstransactions.com. Performance metrics, including shots on goal, time on ice, saves, and goals against average, were analyzed for 1 season presurgery and 2 seasons postsurgery. Nonparametric analysis of variance and post-hoc tests assessed performance changes.

Results

Of 1,047 players, 120 met inclusion criteria. Centers had greater body mass index (mean = 26.7, P = .03), whereas goalies had lower body mass index(mean = 24.7, P = .008). Defenders sustained injuries later in their careers, whereas forwards had shorter careers after surgery. Average RTP was 235 days, with defenders returning sooner (203 days, P < .001) and goalies taking longer (437 days, P = .008). Forwards’ shots on goal/games played declined after surgery, whereas defenders’ time on ice/games played remained stable. No significant difference in games played per season was observed across positions. Each additional year of age reduced RTP by 7.5 days (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Recovery times and performance after shoulder surgery in NHL players vary by position, although differences were statistically insignificant. Defenders had shortest RTP with stable performance, suggesting minimal impact endurance and defensive contributions. Goalies required longer RTP likely as the result of the physical demands of their position, which heavily relies on attributes like upper-body mobility, among others—factors likely affected by shoulder surgery. Offensive players experienced initial declines in performance but returned to near baseline by the second season. Older players generally returned sooner as the result of greater familiarity with injury management and shorter competitive career windows.

Clinical Relevance

This study provides insight into the positional and age-related differences in recovery and performance among NHL players following shoulder surgery, highlighting the need for tailored rehabilitation protocols to optimize return-to-play outcomes.