The news is as expected for Oskars Bartulis.
According to general manager Paul Holmgren, as a result of a late hit by Phoenix Coyotes forward Scottie Upshall on Tuesday, the Flyers’ seventh defenseman will undergo shoulder surgery to fix “instability,” and will miss 10-12 weeks.
Upshall was suspended two games for the hit.
The news breaks just three days prior to the Feb. 28 NHL trade deadline. Holmgren has the option of calling up a defenseman from the Adirondack Phantoms or make a move for one on the open market.
Bartulis, 24, was expected to miss significant time. He has played just 13 games this season and has no points. Bartulis was activated for Sean O’Donnell, who missed Tuesday’s contest with a knee sprain.
Phila.Bright 