Allan Walsh, agent for Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Stephane Veilleux, said his client had successful surgery on his right shoulder Thursday at the Cleveland Clinic to repair a cyst, a nerve impingement and a torn labrum. Expected rehab time, Walsh said, is three to four months.

The NHL Players Association still is expected to file a grievance by Friday against the Lightning, which has refused to pay what Walsh said is about a $15,000 hospital bill. Tampa Bay, which would pay through an insurance policy, is disputing whether the injury is hockey related, the bar set by the collective bargaining agreement to determine if teams must cover injury costs. Otherwise, Veilleux's insurance through the Players Association, will pick up the tab.

Tampa Bay's main point of contention seems to be the impingement of the suprascapular nerve, a condition more consistent with athletes who engage in repetitive overhead motion. Veilleux is an avid tennis player. Walsh has said Veilleux's tennis playing doesn't matter because the Lightning deemed Veilleux healthy and fit to play at training camp, meaning any subsequent injuries are Tampa Bay's responsibility unless they can prove Veilleux was injured during an unauthorized activity.

Veilleux, 28, had three goals, nine points and 48 penalty minutes in 77 games last season. He can be an unrestricted free agent on July 1.