BREAKING: Andrei Vasilevskiy Sidelined For Months Following Surgery

NHL insider Kevin Weekes announced earlier today that Andrei Vasilevskiy will be out for a significant amount of time. He had major back surgery and is expected to miss 8-10 weeks.

Vasilevskiy is a major component of the Tampa Bay Lightning franchise that will now be missing for several months. In his absence, the Lightning will have to try and keep their playoff hopes alive.

The Lightning now will likely have to turn to either Jonas Johansson or Hugo Alnefelt to fill Vasilevskiy's skates. They could also look at the free agent or trade market for a potential replacement in the coming days.

With an 8-10 week recovery, Vasilevskiy will likely return in late November or early December. He will also likely have a reduced workload for this season as his back fully heals.

In the past, Vasilevskiy has played more games for the Lightning than most goaltenders do in a season. One has to wonder if his usage will change going forward considering how major this injury could be.