Columbus, OH – Columbus Blue Jackets prized free agency acquisition Nathan Horton will reportedly undergo shoulder surgery next week in Boston.
The Columbus Dispatch reports that Horton will need 4-to-6 months to recover.
The 28-year-old right wing signed a seven-year deal last Friday worth a reported $37.1 million.
Horton, a former Bruin, left Game 1 of the 2013 Stanley Cup Finals and did not return after tangling with Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson in front of the Chicago net.
Horton reportedly suffered a left shoulder subluxation on April 20 fighting with Jarome Iginla, who signed with Boston last Friday after finishing last season with Pittsburgh. The injury caused Horton's shoulder to pop out of place at points throughout the playoffs.
Last season, Horton posted 13 goals and nine assists in 43 games. In his nine- year career with the Florida Panthers and Bruins, the 2003 third-overall pick has 198 goals and 402 points in 591 games.
Horton helped lead Boston to the 2011 Stanley Cup and put up 15 goals and 36 points over 43 career playoff games.
The day the surgery will take place has not been determined.
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