Tampa Bay Lightning agrees to pay for Stephane Veilleux's shoulder surgery

The Lightning and left wing Stephane Veilleux have settled their differences.

Veilleux's agent, Allan Walsh, said Friday that the team agreed to cover his client's medical bills and no grievance will be filed by the NHL Players Association.

"We had conversations with Tampa (on Thursday)," Walsh said. "They have accepted financial responsibility for Stephane Veilleux's surgery and rehab, and the matter is resolved to everyone's satisfaction, and it's over."

Veilleux, 28, had surgery Thursday at the Cleveland Clinic to repair a cyst, nerve impingement and a torn labrum in his right shoulder. The Lightning contended the injuries were not hockey-related, particularly the impingement of the suprascapular nerve, more often associated with athletes who engage in repetitive overhead activities. Veilleux is an avid tennis player.

The bill, which Walsh estimated at $15,000, will be submitted to Tampa Bay's insurance company. The alternative was submitting the bill to Veilleux's private insurance through the players association.

"We are glad this was amicably resolved," Lightning spokesman Bill Wickett said.

STAMKOS IMPROVING: Steven Stamkos, who missed Canada's 12-1 victory Friday over Norway at the world championship in Germany because of a mild concussion, said he might be ready to play Sunday against Sweden.

"I feel a lot better," the Lightning's star center wrote in an e-mail. "I rode the bike (Friday) and had no problems. I also have been receiving some great treatment here.

"I think I am going to skate (today), and there is a possibility I could play Sunday."

Stamkos, 20, was hurt during Wednesday's 4-1 loss to Switzerland when hit by an elbow from Swiss defenseman Timo Helbling. He cannot play until he practices without symptoms.

Damian Cristodero can be reached at cristodero@sptimes.com.