Young Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Andrei Vasilevskiy will miss 2-3 months after having vascular surgery to remove blood clot, the team announced on Friday.
The team explained the procedure in a release, saying the surgery was “to remove a blood clot from near his left collarbone and to treat a type of Vascular Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.”
The 21-year-old netminder is one of league’s highest rated goaltending prospects. He made his NHL debut last season, playing 16 games for the Bolts with an all situation save percentage of .918.
He also grabbed four playoff games, performing well through most of that run.
NEWS: Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy out 2-3 months following vascular surgery to remove blood clot. MORE DETAILS: http://t.co/nHr0urKCbI
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) September 4, 2015
With their back-up goaltender out for a few months, the Lightning may need to look outside the organization to find help. Inside the system, the heir apparent may be Kristers Gudlevskis, who played one game for the Lightning back in the 2012-13 season. However, he’s struggled in recent season, posting a .900 save percentage for the Syracuse Crunch in 46 games last year.
Former University of Minnesota goaltender Adam Wilcox may be an option as well, if he’s able to transition to the pro ranks seamlessly in training camp.
For now, the Lightning appear set to employ a “wait and see” mentality, according to GM Steve Yzerman. Though if camp doesn’t go well, former Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jonas Gustavsson is still a UFA.
#tblightning Yzerman they're going to "wait and see" on backup goalie, see how Gudlevskis + Wilcox do + get feel for how long Vasy is out
— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithNHL) September 4, 2015
#tblightning Yzerman didn't rule out eventually signing another goalie, but wants to let things play out in camp and have a better idea then
— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithNHL) September 4, 2015
Yzerman: "It's a little bit of a setback for the start of the year, on the positiive side we expect him ready to go when he's cleared."
— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithNHL) September 4, 2015
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