In surprising news this afternoon, Rene Bourque underwent successful abdominal surgery today in Montreal and will be out of action for 8-12 weeks. This would set the beginning of December as a target date for Bourque to return to the Montreal Canadiens lineup.

It's a curious development considering we haven't had any news of Bourque at all this summer. There's been no mention of any injury suffered during training. Then again maybe it's because no one really cares about Rene Bourque enough to follow him around in the summer and report on him.

With the incredibly weakness at the left wing position after Max Pacioretty, even though Bourque was terrible last season, this is devastating news for the Habs if the season starts on time. No team is going to be competing for a playoff spot with Travis Moen and Brandon Prust both in the top 9 on the left side.

Conversely, this may be just the opportunity for a player like Aaron Palushaj, who can play on the left as well as he can on the right. Palushaj has been pushing for a spot in the lineup for awhile now and could see an excellent opportunity on the second line if he can capture lightning in a bottle.