Blues' Kevin Shattenkirk to undergo abdominal surgery

St. Louis Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk will undergo surgery to treat his abdominal injury.

St. Louis Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk will undergo surgery to treat his abdominal injury, the team announced Monday.

The procedure will be done sometime in the next seven to 10 days and Shattenkirk will be listed as week-to-week after the operation.

Shattenkirk sustained the injury in the Blues' win over the Washington Capitals on Sunday. He collided with Alexander Ovechkin in the first period and did not return.

Shattenkirk is tied for third on the Blues in scoring with 40 points, which is the most among the team's defensemen, and has recorded a plus/minus of 18. An All-Star for the first time this season, his 32 assists are the most for a defenseman in the NHL. 

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The 26-year-old has been with the Blues since arriving via trade from the Colorado Avalanche in 2011. In 331 career games, Shattenkirk has recorded 194 points and a plus/minus of 37.

The Blues are 32-13-4 and in second place in the Central Division with 68 points.

- Ben Estes