Vancouver Canucks centre Ryan Kesler undergoes successful shoulder surgery

VANCOUVER - Vancouver Canucks centre Ryan Kesler has undergone successful shoulder surgery, the team announced Tuesday.

The Canucks expect the 27-year-old to be out up to six months, meaning he will likely miss the start of the regular season.

Kesler confirmed after the Canucks bowed out in the first round to the Los Angeles Kings that he had been playing with an undisclosed injury since February.

"After consultation with our team physicians following the playoffs, it was deemed that Ryan would require a procedure on his shoulder," Canucks president and general manager Mike Gillis said in a statement. "We expect a full recovery and determined this procedure would best serve the team's and Ryan's long term goals."

Kesler had 22 goals and 27 assists in 77 games this season. It marked a major drop off from the 73 points (41-32) he recorded in 2010-11.