Jason Zucker Undergoes Core Muscle Surgery, Out Week-to-Week

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced that winger Jason Zucker who has been in and out of the lineup with a lower-body injury, had successful core muscle surgery and will be out week to week.

Jason Zucker, 30, missed 11 games this season and left the lineup for two stints, including over the extended holiday break. In 31 games played, he hasn’t yet gotten on track with only 13 points (6-7-13). After last season, which Zucker termed awful after suffering a broken leg, the surgery is another setback in his Penguins career.

The surgery was performed by Dr. William Meyers of the Vincera Institute in Philadelphia, Pa.

Core muscle surgeries can vary, but several Penguins have had the surgery in recent seasons. Casey DeSmith underwent the surgery in June. He was ready by August to resume activities. Sidney Crosby had core muscle surgery on Nov. 14, 2019. He was out about six weeks.

Zucker has one more year on his contract, which carries a $5.5 million AAV.

Drew O’Connor and Teddy Blueger are also on IR or LTIR.

Zucker’s spot on the second line has been taken predominantly by Evan Rodrigues. Danton Heinen has recently filled in, too. The Pittsburgh Penguins have won five in a row and 16 of their last 18 games. They host the Arizona Coyotes on Tuesday night before back-to-back home games on Thursday and Friday.