Buffalo Sabres forward Jason Zucker will miss the start of the regular season after undergoing surgery to repair a sports hernia, general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen announced Wednesday as players reported for training camp.
Kekäläinen said Zucker could potentially be sidelined for the first two weeks of the season, although he did not provide a specific recovery timeline. His absence will keep one of Buffalo’s most experienced forwards out of the lineup as the Sabres begin their regular-season schedule.
Zucker, 34, is entering his third season with Buffalo after putting together a productive 2025-26 campaign. He recorded 21 goals and 45 points in 62 regular-season games before adding two goals and two assists during 13 playoff appearances.
The veteran forward has been a dependable two-way presence for Buffalo, but injuries limited him to 62 games last season. Zucker missed 20 contests because of various ailments, including an 11-game stretch on the sidelines during December.
The Sabres will also open training camp without defenseman Louis Crevier, who is recovering from shoulder surgery. Kekäläinen said Crevier is expected to be available when the regular season begins.
Buffalo acquired Crevier, 25, during the offseason as part of the June trade that sent defenseman Bo Byram to Chicago. His recovery will continue throughout training camp as he works toward being ready for the regular-season opener.
The Sabres begin the regular season Thursday, October 1, against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Buffalo will then host the Chicago Blackhawks in its home opener Saturday, October 3, at KeyBank Center.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.