Detroit – Avalanche right wing Milan Hejduk will not be on the ice when the team opens its season at Edmonton two weeks from today.
Hejduk, the NHL’s top goal scorer in 2002-03, will be sidelined at least four weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Tuesday. Hejduk had a similar surgery on the same knee during the NHL lockout.
Tuesday’s surgery was performed by Avalanche team doctor Andrew Parker. The previous procedure was performed by a surgeon from the Czech Republic, as Hejduk at the time could have no contact with the Avalanche because of the lockout.
“The good thing about this is that it happened now, as opposed to late in the season,” Avalanche coach Joel Quenneville said.
Avalanche spokesman Jean Martineau said the team did not know the name of the Czech surgeon who did the earlier procedure, but wasn’t concerned about it.
“He had some debris cleaned out, and it went very well,” Martineau said. “Our doctor is convinced he will make a full and complete recovery in the time specified.”
Hejduk, who missed the most recent world championships for the Czechs because of the previous surgery, felt pain during Friday’s Burgundy-White scrimmage at DU’s Magness Arena. Further testing Monday night revealed the extent of the injury.
Hejduk, 29, led the NHL with 50 goals in 2002-03, and the Avs were hoping for a repeat performance this season, especially with new rules intended to increase scoring.
Quenneville did not specify Tuesday who might take Hejduk’s place in the lineup, but veteran Andrew Brunette may be a candidate. Brunette, 32, normally plays left wing but is capable of playing all three forward positions.
“In Minnesota, I played different roles all the time because of injuries and things like that,” said Brunette, who has not missed a game in the past two seasons. “I think I can do some different things, so whatever is needed I’m willing. We’ve got some injuries right now, but there’s a lot of depth on this club and I think we’ll battle through this.”
“He’s a good player,” Quenne- ville said of Brunette. “He’s got good hands around the net, and his versatility is a big asset. He’s looked very good in camp.”
Youngster Marek Svatos also may see increased ice time in Hejduk’s absence. Svatos, however, did not skate Tuesday because of a minor groin pull.
The Avalanche held a brief practice Tuesday before the team’s annual charity golf tournament and got some other previously injured players back on the ice. Forwards Brad May (groin), Pierre Turgeon (groin) and Dan Hinote (back) resumed activity.
Svatos, Hejduk and defenseman Patrice Brisebois (groin) did not participate.
The Avs play the Detroit Red Wings in an exhibition tonight at Joe Louis Arena, the first exhibition contest between the teams. The teams will meet again this coming Tuesday at the Pepsi Center.
Staff writer Adrian Dater can be reached at 303-820-5454 or adater@denverpost.com.
