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Patrick Sharp to miss 3-4 weeks after emergency appendectomy

Patrick Sharp

FILE - In this April 17, 2011, file photo, Chicago Blackhawks’ Patrick Sharp celebrates after scoring a goal during the second period of Game 3 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoff series against the Vancouver Canucks in Chicago. The Blackhawks and Sharp have agreed to five-year contract extension , the team announced, Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2011. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)

AP

How’s this for awkward timing: Patrick Sharp will be out of action for the start of training camp. No, it’s not because of a workout gone wrong or tweaking something while on the ice, but rather something a bit more internal. Sharp underwent an emergency appendectomy tonight and will be in danger of perhaps missing the team’s season opener.

Blackhawks team doctor, Dr. Michael Terry, had this to say this evening.

“Patrick Sharp underwent an emergent surgical appendectomy this evening after experiencing some abnormal abdominal discomfort. The surgery was successful and I anticipate a full recovery in approximately three to four weeks.”

Three to four weeks would essentially wipe out Sharp for all of training camp and should he see things out the full four weeks, he could miss the Blackhawks first games of the season, a home and home series with Dallas on October 7 and 8. Sharp just signed a long-term contract extension this summer to stick with Chicago for the next five years at nearly $30 million.

Missing out on training camp hurts but making sure Sharp can get back on the ice and at full speed is more important, they may just have to deal with seeing Sharp being a bit rusty when he does get back on the ice. Sharp now joins Patrick Kane on the shelf at the start of training camp as Kane is coming back from wrist surgery earlier this summer. With their absences at the start of camp, it presents a great opportunity for some of Chicago’s younger players to show what they’ve got to coach Joel Quenneville.

While Sharp and Kane are guaranteed spots on the team when they’re healthy, getting to leave a lasting impression on the coach to be one of the first guys called up when injury strikes is what they’ll be aiming for.