Two key members of the Tampa Bay Lightning forced to undergo surgery, will miss significant time
The Tampa Bay Lightning will start the 2022-23 season without both centre Anthony Cirelli and defenceman Zach Bogosian as they both underwent shoulder surgery that will keep them on the sidelines for four to six months, general manager Julien BriseBois told the media on Wednesday.
Cirelli suffered an AC joint sprain during the playoffs, while Bogosian has had shoulder issues going back to his time in Toronto, where he missed the final month of his regular season with the Maple Leafs due to the injury.
The 24-year-old Cirelli scored three goals and five assists in 23 games during the 2021-22 playoffs, while Bogosian added three assists in 22 games played.
Earlier in the day, Cirelli and the Lightning agreed to an eight-year extension worth $6.25 million per season. The 72nd pick in 2015 has grown his game into an elite two-way talent.
Cirelli has one year remaining on his current deal, which will pay him $4.8 million in 2022-23, before his new, eight-year deal at $6.25 million per season kicks in. Bogosian is signed for two more seasons at a cap hit of $850,000.
BriseBois added that they are likely to return mid-December as they both rehab, allowing Tampa Bay to use long-term injury reserve (LTIR) for their absences.
