New Jersey Devils forward Jamie Langenbrunner could be out of action for the first two months of the NHL regular season with a groin injury.

Doctors who examined Langenbrunner in Montreal on Wednesday determined the injury would require surgery, which will be performed soon.

New Jersey's Jamie Langenbrunner, seen celebrating a goal in the 2007 playoffs, will need surgery.
(Bill Kostroun/Associated Press)

"It's frustrating," Langenbrunner told the Newark Star-Ledger. "I've never had anything like this before."

Langenbrunner, 32, had said last week that the problem stemmed from last season, but that he opted for rest during the summer to see if there would be improvement. He aggravated the condition while skating just before training camp.

Langenbrunner has 167 goals and 268 assists in 739 career games with New Jersey and Dallas, and was a part of Stanley Cup victories with both teams.

The Duluth, Minn., native had the best offensive season of his career last season, with 23 goals and 37 assists while playing all 82 games.

White hit near eye

New Jersey are also awaiting word on reliable defenceman Colin White, who took a puck above the right eye Wednesday in practice and had to be helped off the ice.

"His right eye is still closed because of a severe laceration over the eyelid," New Jersey general manager Lou Lamoriello told the Star-Ledger. "There is concern for safety anytime you get a puck near the eye. Right now we don't know if there is any damage to the eye because of the swelling."

White has played all seven of his NHL seasons with New Jersey, winning Cups in 2000 and 2003.