Buffalo Sabres captain Craig Rivet will have surgery this week to repair a nagging injury to his left shoulder.
General Manager Darcy Regier confirmed Thursday that the defenseman will undergo the procedure in Buffalo, and said that while recovery time is four to six months, it is believed Rivet will be ready in time for the opening of 2010-11 season.
"It may pull him back a little bit from being physically involved in training camp for the first week or so, but based on what we've gotten back from the doctors he should be ready to go," Regier said.
Rivet first mentioned the surgery during the team's locker room cleanout following their six-game loss to Boston in the opening round of the playoffs.
Rivet played 78 games for the Sabres in 2009-10, scoring 1 goal and adding 14 goals for 15 points. He added a goal in six playoff appearances.
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