While he can be correctly labeled "oft-injured," San Jose Sharks winger Martin Havlat doesn't have the bizarre history of mishaps and ailments of, say, a Sami Salo. (Seriously, floorball?)
But this awkward, injurious line change from Dec. 17 against the Edmonton Oilers is going to linger on his record (and be a subject of ridicule) for some time, after he underwent hamstring surgery on Wednesday:
Havlat had one torn tendon, which was surgically repaired. He will be out for an extended period of time.
"The good news," [GM Doug] Wilson said, is that the injury is "not as as bad as the team initially thought."
David Pollack of the Mercury News reports that the "ballpark" for Havlat's recovery is 6-to-8 weeks. Benn Ferriero was recalled from Worcester of the AHL to fill his roster spot.
Said coach Todd McLellan on Tuesday:
"It just happens. It was a freak accident. It happens to every team at some point and there's nothing we can do about it. We just have to get him healthy and get him back to how he was beginning to play."
Havlat has just two goals (but 13 assists) in 26 games. He had a goal and two assists in his last two games, both Sharks wins.