A key player for the Sabres is set to begin the regular season on the sidelines after being diagnosed with a sports hernia, according to the team’s general manager. The injury, which typically requires recovery time, was confirmed during a pre-season press conference. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how the team adapts without his immediate contributions. The announcement comes as the franchise prepares for its first games of the campaign.

Jason Zucker is expected to miss the start of the regular season with a sports hernia, Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen announced during his season-opening press conference on Wednesday.