Montreal Canadiens defenceman Andrei Markov will not be in the team's lineup for at least another month.
Markov underwent arthroscopic surgery Monday to remove debris from his right knee, and his recovery is estimated to be four to six weeks.
Dr. James Andrews performed the surgery in Florida.
Markov had been practicing with the team but he and the Habs decided to go with the surgery, which was announced Saturday.
His tentative return to the lineup at that time was expected to be at least three weeks, though general manager Pierre Gauthier said the timeline could increase "depending on what they find in there."
Markov has not played since Nov. 13, 2010, when his surgically repaired knee got tangled with Eric Staal of Carolina as both chased a puck in a corner during Montreal's 7-2 win over the Hurricanes.
The 32-year-old was in only his seventh game back from an injury to the same knee that required surgery. Markov had injured it during the second round of the playoffs against Pittsburgh.
