Sharks forward Joel Ward recently had surgery on his shoulder, general manager Doug Wilson said in a statement on Friday.
"Joel was dealing with a minor shoulder injury last season and, once the season ended, had a choice to either rehab the injury or to have a surgical procedure,” Wilson said. “Joel opted to proceed with the surgical procedure, which was completed successfully, and he is expected to be ready for the start of the 2017 season."
Ward was seen at the Oakland A’s game on Thursday night with his right arm in a sling.
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In 78 games last season, Ward had 29 points (10g, 19a). He added one goal and three assists in six games in the playoffs.
The 36-year-old has one year remaining on his contract with San Jose, carrying a $3.275 million salary cap hit.