Buffalo Sabres forward Jason Zucker will miss the start of the season after surgery for a sports hernia, general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen announced Wednesday. Zucker, 34, could miss the first two weeks.

Zucker returns for a third season with Buffalo after posting 21 goals and 45 points in 62 games last year, adding two goals and two assists in 13 playoff games. He missed 20 games last season due to injuries.

Kekäläinen also said defenseman Louis Crevier will be sidelined to open camp following shoulder surgery, though he's expected to be ready for the season. Buffalo acquired the 25-year-old in a June trade that sent Bo Byram to Chicago.

The Sabres open the regular season at Columbus on Oct. 1.