Point expected to be out until late October after hip surgery

Although the Tampa Bay Lightning signed Brayden Point to a three-year, $20.25-million bridge deal Monday, the club could be without the center for the first month of the season.

Point underwent hip surgery in the spring and isn't expected to be cleared to play until late October, general manager Julien BriseBois said on a conference call Monday, according to Bryan Burns of the team's website. The GM added there's no long-term concern with the injury and he's been skating for a number of weeks.

Point set career highs last season with 41 goals, 51 assists, and 92 points. The Lightning's depth will have to step up during his absence.

The versatile Tyler Johnson could shift back to center after playing primarily on the wing for the last couple of years. Though he doesn't have as much experience down the middle as Johnson, Yanni Gourde is also capable of playing center.

If head coach Jon Cooper wants to keep Johnson and Gourde on the wing, he could bump 22-year-old speedster Anthony Cirelli into a top-six role until Point returns. This could result in an increased role for Cedric Paquette or perhaps an NHL audition to begin the year for prospect Mitchell Stephens.

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