RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -Chris Campoli of the New York Islanders will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery this week, the latest blow to a defense that was just starting to get healthy.
Campoli, in his third NHL season, was injured last week during the Islanders’ victory at New Jersey. Team officials said before New York faced Carolina on Tuesday night that Campoli would have surgery on his dislocated shoulder on Thursday at the Cleveland Clinic.
In keeping with team policy, the Islanders declined to specify which shoulder was injured.
New York secured another defenseman on Tuesday, agreeing to terms with Freddy Meyer on a two-year deal. Meyer has gotten more playing time recently in place of injured teammates and has done an adequate job.
He was lost on waivers to Phoenix earlier this season but was reacquired by the Islanders when the Coyotes tried to put him through re-entry waivers.
The Islanders just got their top defense pair of Brendan Witt and Radek Martinek back Monday in the opener of the home-and-home series with the Hurricanes. Witt had missed four games due to an ankle injury and Martinek was out for 13 with a bruised leg. Aaron Johnson also recently returned from a knee injury that sidelined him for 2 1/2 months.
Campoli, who had four goals and 14 assists in 46 games, was injured after playing six shifts last Wednesday against the Devils. He joins forwards Jon Sim and Shawn Bates, who each had season-ending operations earlier this season.
“It’s a tough break for Chris. He’s been such a good player and he’s shown a lot of heart this season while battling the injury,” Islanders coach Ted Nolan said. “The good news is that he will be under the best medical care and he has so many good years ahead of him.
“With Chris out, an opportunity opens up for someone to take advantage of. Thankfully, we had depth at the start of the season with at least nine quality NHL defensemen. You can never have enough of them.”
Meyer, who has three assists in 23 games, could have become an unrestricted free agent after the season.
“Freddy has earned this contract extension with his talent, work ethic and perseverance,” Islanders general manager Garth Snow said. “He has been through a lot this season, but his attitude never wavered. He is a solid defenseman in all aspects of the game and we’re pleased he has made a commitment to us for two more seasons.”
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