Blue Jackets LW Picard undergoes knee surgery

Apr 20, 2007 - 9:31 PM COLUMBUS, Ohio (Ticker) -- Alexandre Picard did not take the steps the Columbus Blue Jackets had hoped he would this season. The left wing will not be taking any in the near future.

The Blue Jackets on Friday announced Picard underwent successful surgery to repair a torn ACL and MCL in his knee on Tuesday.

Picard, 21, suffered the injury while playing for Syracuse of the American Hockey League on April 13. Columbus is hopeful he will be ready for the start of training camp in the fall.

"Our understanding is that the surgery went very well and that the rehabilitation time for this type of injury is typically several months," Blue Jackets interim general manager Jim Clark said. "Alex is in tremendous shape and the prognosis is that he will make a complete recovery."

Drafted eighth overall in 2004, Picard made his NHL debut last season, registering 14 penalty minutes in 17 games. He appeared in 23 contests this campaign, recording his first career point with an assist against Chicago on March 20 and adding six penalty minutes.

Picard also played 48 games with Syracuse in 2006-07, notching 11 goals - including eight on the power play - and 18 assists.