Tampa Bay Lightning captain Vincent Lecavalier will undergo surgery to repair damage to his right wrist on Friday.
The procedure was originally scheduled to take place last summer but was delayed after Lecavalier suffered damage to his right shoulder during the Lightning's second-to-last game of the season.
''Obviously it is disappointing that Vinny will not be able to finish the season, but we feel that it is in both his and the team's best interest to have the wrist operated on now,'' said Lightning Executive Vice President and General Manager Brian Lawton. ''Vinny has been battling this injury all season and I really can't say enough about his ability to play through the pain and discomfort.''
In his 10th NHL season, Lecavalier has played in all 77 games for the Lightning this year. He has played in 76 games or more in nine of his 10 NHL seasons including 2008-09, which marks his seventh consecutive.
Lecavalier is one of six active players to currently have six consecutive seasons with 25 goals or more. He leads the Lightning in power-play goals with 10, game-winning goals with six and is tied for first with 29 goals. Lecavalier's 67 points are also second on the club.
