Hurricanes' Eaves To Be Sidelined 3 Weeks Because Of Shoulder Surgery

March 27, 2008 6:53 p.m. EST

Raleigh, NC (AHN) - Forward Patrick Eaves is due to undergo shoulder surgery on Friday and will miss two to three weeks of action, the Carolina Hurricanes announced on Thursday.

The 23-year-old Calgary native may be eligible to return in time for the first round of the playoffs. The Hurricanes currently sit atop the Southeast Division, four points ahead of Washington, with five games left on the regular season schedule.

Eaves, who didn't play in the Hurricanes' 3-2 loss to the Capitals on Tuesday because of a flu, has five goals and 10 assists this season as he split time between Ottawa and Carolina following his trade from the Senators on February 11.

The 6-foot former first round pick has 39 goals and 76 points in a three-year career in the NHL.