Canucks' Ryan Kesler has hip surgery, will miss 10-12 weeks

Vancouver Canucks forward Ryan Kesler, fresh off a Selke Trophy-winning season, will miss the start of 2011-12.

He had hip surgery and will need 10 to 12 weeks to recover, the team said. Ten weeks would mean a return of Oct. 11 and the Canucks open their season on Oct. 6. A 12-week absence means he could miss close to three weeks.

Kesler was dominant in the playoffs but was hurt in the decisive game of the Western Conference finals against the San Jose Sharks. He returned to action and scored the tying goal in the closing minute, and the Canucks went on to win in overtime.

Even with the break in play until the Stanley Cup Final began, he was hampered by the injury. After picking up an assist in the opening game, he was shut out the remaining six games and was a minus 7.

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

Kesler had a career-best 41 goals last season and won the Selke Trophy as top defensive forward after two seasons as runner-up. He ranked fourth among forwards in blocked shots (80), averaged a career-best 20:29 in ice time, ranked sixth among NHL centers in face-offs taken (1,496), winning a career-high 57.4% of them, and recorded 124 hits, 65 takeaways, three short-handed goals and a plus-24 rating.

White, Hunter clear waivers

New Jersey Devils players Colin White and Trent Hunter cleared waivers Tuesday. General manager Lou Lamoriello told The Associated Press earlier this week that he planned to buy the two out.

Hunter, acquired in a trade last week from the New York Islanders, had two years left at a $2 million cap hit.

White had been with the Devils since 1999-2000 and was due to make $3 million this season in the final year of his contract.