Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Adam Burish hasn’t played since the first game of the preseason, and the San Jose Sharks don’t expect the injured right wing to be back any time soon. He underwent successful back surgery on October 17 to fix an ailment that has prevented him from skating for the last few weeks.
Sharks insider Kevin Kurtz had the following update on Burish earlier today:
"There is no timetable for his return, but according to a team source, Burish is expected to be out for “months and not weeks.”Burish was hurt in the Sharks’ first preseason game on Sep. 16 in Vancouver, and has not skated since. He apparently tried to work through the pain, but it was decided this week that surgery was required."
Jason Plank, who handles media relations for the Sharks disclosed that the surgery was to repair a disc issue of some kind.
#SJSharks EVP and GM Doug Wilson announced that right wing Adam Burish underwent successful back surgery today to repair a disc problem.
— Matthew. (@jasonmplank) October 18, 2013
According to Kurtz’s report, the operation was performed by Dr. Robert Watkins in Los Angeles.
This is just another unlucky break for Burish, who has had major issues with injuries lately. He was forced out of the second round of the playoffs with a broken hand last year, and only played in part of a preseason game before being forced back onto the injured reserve.
The Sharks should be fine while they wait for his return, however. Forwards such as Matt Nieto have really played well with the extra ice time, and they likely wouldn’t have had that opportunity if not for Burish’s unfortunate injury.