Tomas Vokoun suffers complications after routine surgery.
Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tomas Vokoun is expected to be sidelined from three to six months following surgery to dissolve a blood clot, the National Hockey League team announced.
Vokoun underwent surgery on September 21 and was released from the hospital four days later.
“He’s going to be on blood thinning medicine,” said Penguins general manager Ray Shero. “Physically, he’s doing great. Mentally, he’s doing great. During this time, he’s OK to work out, do everything except play hockey.
“This is not a short-term situation. The most important thing for us, and Tomas and his family, is his short-term health and his long-term health.”
The 37-year-old Czech missed the end of the 2005-06 season and playoffs as a starter for the Nashville Predators because of blood clots in his abdomen.
“Right now, I’m not thinking about my career or playing hockey,” Vokoun said. “I’m more worried about long-term health. Three months is the minimum. After that, I’ll evaluate where I am. The doctors will monitor my health and progress. Then I’ll make my decision.”
Vokoun replaced Marc-Andre Fleury during last season’s playoffs, going 6-5 with a 2.01 goals-against average as the Penguins reached the Eastern Conference finals.
COMMENTS