San Jose Sharks goaltender Antero Niittymaki will be sidelined 12 weeks after undergoing surgery on his left hip.
The San Jose Mercury News reported that the backup goalie had the procedure done earlier this week in Los Angeles.
Niittymaki has been affected by pain in his hip since missing 17 games last season with a lower-body injury.
The Sharks signed goalie Thomas Greiss to a two-way contract in July as insurance should Niittymaki be out of action for an extended period of time.
San Jose starting goaltender Antti Niemi has yet to practice since he had a cyst removed, but he is expected to be ready for the season opener on Oct. 8.
Niittymaki went 12-7-3 with a .896 save percentage and 2.71 goals-against average in 24 games last season.
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