Phil Kessel underwent successful left shoulder surgery today at Massachusetts General Hospital to repair a torn rotator cuff and labrum. Dr. Peter Asnis and Dr. J.P. Warner performed the procedure. Rehab and recovery will sideline Kessel for up to six months. Kessel is not expected to be ready for the start of 2009-10.
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So I see this as a good thing for the Bruins. It should definitely help the Bruins in contract negotiations. I can't see Kessel having a large bargaining chip if he is going to miss the start of the 2009-2010 season, which he is slated to do.
If there is any point where the Bruins can back Kessel into a corner and make him take a lower deal, this is the time to do it. Same thing with Krejci and possibly Recchi, though I'm not sure how handicap accessible the Garden is..
