Zajac out 4-6 months after suffering torn pectoral muscle

New Jersey Devils center Travis Zajac will be out four-to-six months after undergoing surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle, general manager Ray Shero announced Thursday.

Zajac was injured while training, and at best, will be able to return to the lineup in December.

The news surely damages the Devils' depth chart, as he's a serviceable center that can be deployed in all situations. The 32-year-old suited up in 80 games last season, and recorded 45 points - his highest total since 2013-14.

After landing No. 1 overall pick Nico Hischier, trading for Marcus Johansson, and signing Brian Boyle, New Jersey was expected to make positive strides in the stacked Metropolitan division in 2017-18, but losing Zajac may delay the process.