Pittsburgh Penguins forward Matt Nieto underwent laparoscopic surgery on his right knee and is expected to be sidelined until mid-February at the earliest.
The team announced Nieto’s procedure via a release Thursday but did not specify when it took place. An expected recovery time frame of six to eight weeks was provided.
Nieto, 31, has not played since Nov. 30, missing the past 14 games as a result of his ailment.
Currently designated to long-term injured reserve, Nieto is in the first year of a two-year contract which carries a salary cap hit of $900,000.
Primarily deployed on the fourth line, Nieto has played in 22 games this season and has four points (one goal, three assists) while averaging 11:37 of ice time per contest.
