Ducks' Vatanen, Lindholm out long term with torn labrums

On the heels of their season-ending loss to the Nashville Predators in Game 6 of the Western Conference Final on Monday, the Anaheim Ducks revealed severe injuries to two key blue-liners.

Defenseman Sami Vatanen and Hampus Lindholm will both require shoulder surgery for torn labrums this offseason, general manager Bob Murray announced Thursday.

Lindholm's rehab should take four-to-five months, while Vatanen's will take longer, per Murray.

Both defenseman played in all six games versus the Predators, logging regular minutes.

The news adds to the onslaught of injuries Anaheim had to deal with throughout the postseason, as ailments to netminder John Gibson and forwards Patrick Eaves and Rickard Rakell ravaged the Ducks' roster when it mattered most.

Murray and the Ducks face a major conundrum for the upcoming expansion draft due to numerous valuable players that need protection, and the injuries to Vatanen and Lindholm add yet another wrinkle.

With Kevin Bieksa's no-movement clause, Anaheim can only protect three more defenseman if they opt for the eight skater, one goalie format. That leaves one of Vatanen, Lindholm, or the up-and-coming Josh Manson ripe for the taking.

A potential trade for one of these players may be in the works, but the market could definitely shrink with such serious injuries now in play.