Lightning Star Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy Out Long Term

The Tampa Bay Lightning will be without star netminder Andrei Vasilevskiy for a notable portion of the season. Per NHL insider Kevin Weekes, Vasilevskiy had back surgery and is expected to be out for eight to ten weeks.

**Breaking News** 🚨 📰 🚑
I’m told @TBLightning G Vasilevskiy 88 underwent successful back surgery, he’s expected to make a complete recovery in 8-10 week timeframe. #HockeyTwitter pic.twitter.com/QBrJiFrD38
— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) September 28, 2023

This is bad news for the Lightning, as Vasilevskiy is one of the top goalies in the sport and a major reason for their success. Furthermore, their depth at the goalie position is fairly weak after him, so they are at a major disadvantage for the start of the 2023-24 season.

Vasilevskiy, 29, appeared in 60 games last season for the Lightning, posting a 34-22-4, a .915 SV%, and a 2.65 GAA.

With Vasilevskiy out long term, the Lightning are likely to begin the season with career AHL netminder Jonas Johansson. That is, of course, if they don't bring in another goalie before the start of the season.