Shea Weber was expected to return to the lineup by training camp after his recovery from offseason foot surgery. However, the Montreal Canadiens blue-liner has now been sidelined five-to-six months after undergoing knee surgery.

"We were very disappointed to learn that this knee injury will extend Shea's recovery period," Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin said in a statement. "Unfortunately, this is out of our control and we have to fully trust the medical group in these situations. We are confident that his recovery will go as scheduled and that Shea will return to action as soon as possible."

Canadiens team doctor David Mulder added he expects Weber to be ready to return to the lineup by mid-December.

Weber has not played since Dec. 16 of last season, missing the remainder of the year with a foot injury. He had foot surgery in March.

Limited to just 26 appearances a year ago, Weber managed six goals and 10 assists in his second stint with the Canadiens. The 32-year-old is under contract through the 2025-26 campaign.

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