Sabres forward Jason Zucker expected to miss start of season after having sports hernia surgery

Buffalo Sabres forward Jason Zucker is anticipated to be absent from the beginning of the NHL season following a sports hernia surgery. General manager Jarmo Kekäläinen disclosed the injury to the media on Wednesday, as the team commenced training camp. Kekäläinen did not disclose a specific recovery timetable, but hinted at a potential two-week absence for Zucker.

The 34-year-old player is set to return for his third season with Buffalo, following a year where he netted 21 goals and 45 points in 62 regular season games, along with two goals and two assists in 13 playoff contests. Zucker has been known for his reliable two-way play, but was sidelined for 20 games last season due to a combination of injuries, including an 11-game stretch in December.

Additionally, defenseman Louis Crevier will be sidelined at the start of camp due to shoulder surgery, though he is expected to be ready for the season's onset. Zucker was acquired by Buffalo in a trade from Chicago in June, receiving Bo Byram in the deal. The Sabres are scheduled to kick off the regular season against Columbus on October 1.