St. Louis Blues forward Patrik Berglund underwent successful surgery on Tuesday to repair a dislocated left shoulder and is expected to be sidelined until December, the team announced.
He sustained the injury during his offseason training program in Sweden.
Berglund recorded a career-high 23 goals last season, and was likely expected to retain his role as the team's second-line center behind Paul Stastny heading into 2017-18.
Luckily for the Blues, they acquired 25-year-old Brayden Schenn at the NHL draft on Friday night. Schenn has been used as both a center and winger throughout his career, but will likely be asked to shift to the middle of the ice with the loss of Berglund to begin the season.
The Blues have other internal options, as well. Robby Fabbri, 21, is a natural center, but like most young players, has started his career on the wing. Veteran Alexander Steen, 33, has spent some time playing center throughout his career and could temporarily fill in. However, Schenn, who is entering the prime of his career, seems like the most suitable candidate.
There's also the chance the Blues address the center position in free agency, but the pickings are slim. Joe Thornton, Sam Gagner, Martin Hanzal, and Nick Bonino are the top centers available, and it significantly drops off afterwards. Plus, the Blues only have $11.6 million in cap space, according to Cap Friendly.
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