Conversation so far:
Did Joe Nieuwendyk play for the Dallas Stars?
The Flames traded Joe Nieuwendyk to the Dallas Stars on December 19, 1995. The Stars immediately signed him to a new deal worth US$11.3 million over five years.
How old was Joe Nieuwendyk when he was traded to the Dallas Stars?
29
How long did Joe Nieuwendyk play for the Dallas Stars?
Joe Nieuwendyk played in his 1,000th career game on January 20, 2002, against the Chicago Blackhawks. Two months later, on March 19, 2002, he was traded to the Devils.
Did the Dallas Stars go to the play offs?
The 1998 Stanley Cup playoffs. Joe Nieuwendyk was sidelined by injury after appearing in only one game.
How did Joe Nieuwendyk injure himself in the only game of the 1998 Stanley Cup playoffs he appeared in?
Joe Nieuwendyk suffered a torn ACL as a result of a check by Bryan Marchment.
Did Joe Nieuwendyk recover from his torn ACL?
The injury required two knee surgeries to repair and six months to heal.

Question: How long before he was able to play again?
Self-contained rewrite: How long before Joe Nieuwendyk was able to play again?