TAMPA BAY - Tampa Bay Lightning center Vincent Lecavalier will undergo surgery to repair damage to his right shoulder that was suffered when the shoulder was dislocated in the Lightning’s game Thursday night at Washington. The dislocation was reduced by the Lightning medical staff in the visiting training room with no complications.  


Lecavalier returned to Tampa on Friday for diagnostic studies and evaluation by Lightning team physician Dr. Ira Guttentag.  It was confirmed that Lecavalier has suffered damage to the Glenoid Labrum of the right shoulder that will require surgical repair.  It has been determined that the most appropriate course of action at this time is to allow the natural inflammatory process to subside in the next 7-10 days at which time the team will direct Lecavalier’s surgical and rehab process.  


It is expected that Lecavalier will complete a full recovery in 12-15 weeks following the surgery and it is fully expected that he will be able to resume his playing career by the time training camp opens for the 2008-09 season.


“While I’m disappointed to be facing surgery at this time, I’m looking forward to working hard during the summer to be ready for training camp in September,” Lecavalier said. “I’m lucky to have good people like Lightning athletic trainers Jason Serbus and Tom Mulligan around to help me through the process, and I’m confident I’m in good hands.”