Karlsson undergoes surgery on torn foot tendons, expected to miss 4 months

Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson underwent surgery to repair torn tendons in his left foot on Wednesday and is expected to miss four months while he recovers, the team announced.

"Erik underwent surgery earlier today in Charlotte, N.C, to repair torn tendons in his left foot," general manager Pierre Dorion said in a statement. "The tears, which occurred during this year's Stanley Cup Playoffs, were found during an MRI as part of an extensive medical evaluation following the season."

Related: Karlsson receives Conn Smythe vote despite not reaching finals

Following the Senators' first-round series against the Boston Bruins, Karlsson admitted to playing with two hairline fractures in his heel, an injury he is believed to have played with for the duration of the postseason.

As for next campaign, the team is hopeful that Karlsson's expected four-month recovery will allow him to be healthy for the start of the 2017-18 season.

Karlsson led all defenseman in scoring in the playoffs with 18 points in 19 games, while finishing sixth overall in the postseason scoring race.