Tampa Bay right winger Ryan Callahan underwent hip surgery today and is expected to miss the next five months, the team announced. That means that it’s unlikely that he will be ready in time to start next season. Callahan will also miss the upcoming World Cup of Hockey for Team USA.
Last year, Callahan played in 73 games with the Lightning, recording 10 goals and 18 assists. His 28 points marked the lowest full-season output of his career. This injury was ailing him for the second half of last season, reports Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times. Callahan also suited up in 16 of Tampa’s 17 playoff contests, collecting two goals and two assists. He has spent parts of three years with the Bolts, picking up 40 goals and 43 assists in 170 games.
Callahan has four years left on his deal with Tampa Bay with a cap hit of $5.8MM. He is presently the Lightning’s highest paid forward though that would certainly change if they are able to come to terms with pending UFA Steven Stamkos.