Anyone who's experienced back problems can empathize with Jamie McGinn, who is hopeful his back ailments are a thing of the past.
After struggling in training camp and for many of the season's first 19 games, the Avalanche forward went on injured reserve Nov. 21 (retroactive to Nov. 15) and underwent season-ending back surgery Dec. 10.
McGinn finished with four goals and two assists after scoring 19 goals in 2013-14, one short of his career high. He set personal bests that season for assists (19), points (38), game-winning goals (three) and games (79).
His absence contributed to the Avalanche's lack of depth, and they missed his 6-foot-1, 210-pound frame in front of the net.
"It was definitely a tough year for me," said McGinn, who missed the final 63 games. "I wanted to be out there and it stunk sitting out and watching. At least I'm getting healthier."
The operation should give McGinn the kind of relief he's been seeking, though he said he had "a little bit of a setback" while recuperating during the season that prevented him from getting on the ice for more than a few days.
"I guess that's why the surgeon gave me a lot of time to recover and to get healthy and get ready for next year," he said. "This was something I was dealing with my whole career. I'm getting back to where I can maintain it and have time this summer to get stronger."
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Keeping a positive attitude hasn't been as easy for Jesse Winchester, who missed the entire season after sustaining a concussion in a Sept. 30 preseason game in Calgary.
"It's a disappointment, but I've taken positive steps," he said. "Hopefully I'll be able to put in some good work (this summer). I've tried throughout to keep a positive outlook, but missing a whole year is kind of strange. I've tried so many different things. I've seen improvement, but that's about it. Hopefully I'll be able to come back and compete."
Winchester signed a two-year, $1.8 million contract as a free agent on July 1, 2014 and was expected to center the fourth line. Concussion problems limited him to 32 games with Ottawa in 2011-12.
"I don't want to be a pity case," he said. "I'm able enjoy most things. Hopefully I'll be able to pick up where I left off. I'm just trying to stay positive."