The New Jersey Devils will be without center Travis Zajac for four to six months after he has surgery.

New Jersey Devils center Travis Zajac will be out for the next four to six months after having surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle.

According to Chris Ryan of NJ.com, Zajac tore the muscle during offseason training last week. The earliest that he could return would be in December. The latest that he would return would in February.

Ray Shero, the team’s executive vice president/general manager, issued the following statement, per NHL.com.

“This morning, Travis Zajac underwent successful surgery to repair a torn left pectoral muscle that was suffered last week during off-season training. The procedure was performed by the club’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jonathan L. Glashow. Zajac’s expected recovery time is approximately four to six months.”

Losing Zajac, the team’s top center and an alternate captain, is a huge loss for the Devils. Last year he recorded 14 goals, 31 assists, and 45 points in 80 games.

Brian Boyle, Blake Coleman, Adam Henrique and Marcus Johansson will all have to raise the level of their play to try and make up for Zajac’s loss.