Defenseman Bobby Sanguinetti of the Charlotte Checkers (AHL) has a hip condition that may require surgery, Canes general manager Jim Rutherford said today.
Sanguinetti, 22, has played in 19 games for the Checkers this season, scoring two goals with seven assists. He has not played since Nov. 19.
Rutherford said the organization still was seeking medical opinions, adding that Sanguinetti's condition had "gotten worse over time." If surgery is necessary, Sanguinetti likely would be lost for the remainder of the season.
"We have high hopes for him," Rutherford said. "He was doing well before this happened. This is quite a setback."
The Canes picked up Sanguinetti in a trade with the New York Rangers in late June, during the NHL Draft. The Trenton, N.J., native was the Rangers' first-round pick, and the 21st overall pick, in the 2006 draft.
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at