Rib resection involves the surgical removal of a segment of the first rib, which is the rib closest to the head, under the collarbone, according to the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority (uwhealth.org).
Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos had similar surgery April 4, 2016 to remove a rib in order to treat a blood clot near his right collarbone. Stamkos was expected to miss 1-3 months; he returned May 26, about seven weeks later, when he played in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Kreider left New York's 1-0 win against the Washington Capitals on Dec. 27 in the first period. The clot was diagnosed that night.
The 26-year-old has 22 points (11 goals, 11 assists) in 37 games this season, his sixth with the Rangers. He had NHL career highs of 28 goals and 53 points last season.
