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Kessel undergoes succesful surgery on his left shoulder 05.21.09 at 11:39 am ET
By Joe Haggerty

Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced on Thursday morning that Phil Kessel underwent successful surgery today to repair a torn rotator cuff and labrum in his left shoulder.  The surgery was performed by Dr. Peter Asnis and Dr. J.P. Warner at Mass General Hospital, and will force Kessel to miss approximately six months.

The six-month recovery window from surgery would put him back into the Bruins lineup around November 20, which would have caused Kessel to miss exactly 19 games last season. It should be noted that Zdeno Chara underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum following the Bruins’ playoff loss to the Canadiens in 2007-08, and was ready to begin the NHL regular season after missing all of training camp.

Either way, it looks as if Kessel is going to miss some significant time at the beginning of the 2008-09 hockey season.

Kessel established career highs in goals, assists and points this year after tallying a team-best 36 goals, 24 assists and 60 points in 70 games. Kessel became the club’s first 30-goal scorer since 2005-2006 and had the longest point streak in the NHL this season after tallying a point in 18 consecutive games from November 13 – December 21, 2008 (14-14=28 totals during this span).

He appeared in all 11 postseason contests for the Bruins and contributed six goals and five assists.

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  • Miranda

    Isn’t it possible he could be back sooner from rehab (if he’s not lost to FA) because of his youth?

  • Brian

    I was wondering the same thing Miranda. These time tables always seem to be a best guess. Some guys need more, others need less. Didn’t Chara have this same surgery last summer and he was back to start the season? Not too mention climbing Kilamajaro too.

    Here’s another question…if I am Kessel or Krejci, what is my incentive to re-up with the Bruins prior to July 1st? If I am the Bruins’ I am fully expecting their agents to tell them we are not negotiating anything until July 15. This way it gives them time to field offer sheets. I could definitely see a Montreal, Toronto or any other team that has some cap space making a 5/25 for Krejci and putting the pressure on Chiraelli and co to match.

    I think signing these guys is going to be a lot harder than we think. I would even throw Hunwick into that too. Look at what Finger got from Toronto last year and other d-men that had only 1 good year (Streit from NYI)…all it takes is one idiot.

  • PJP

    Shawn Thornton said, in a radio interview this morning, that he had the same surgery a while back and was out for at least 6 months…. It could be less sure, but I think coming back too soon just results in a reinjury

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