Bruins' Frank Vatrano: Expected to miss three months with foot injury

Vatrano will undergo surgery on his left foot Monday to repair several torn ligaments he sustained while training. The 22-year-old forward is expected to be sidelined for three months with the injury.

Analysis:

It's a huge blow for Vatrano and the Bruins, as the Massachusetts native was expected to be one of the B's most exciting offensive weapons heading into the 2016-17 campaign. Vatrano was electric in the minors last season, leading the AHL in goals with 36 scores in 36 games while adding 19 assists for a total of 55 points over that span. The 5-foot-9 sniper wasn't as productive when skating with the big club, notching 11 points (eight goals, three assists) over 39 games with the Bruins, but was expected to take a big step forward in what was supposed to be his first full NHL season in 2016-17. Vatrano is currently expected to be out until Dec. 26, meaning he's expected to miss at least the first 36 games of the Bruins' season. Seth Griffith is the likely candidate to replace Vatrano on Boston's third line during the talented goal scorer's lengthy absence.