RealGM

Oilers general manager Steve Tambellini announced shortly before Friday's 5-4 shootout loss to the San Jose Sharks that Hemsky will require surgery on his left shoulder and will be sidelined for up to six months.

The news comes as a huge blow to the Oilers, who after Friday lead the NHL with a 154 man games lost to injury.

"Obviously when you lose a player with the stature of Ales Hemsky it's difficult, but there is nothing we can do," said Tambellini.