Chicago Blackhawks forward Martin Havlat will be out at least three weeks after re-injuring his right shoulder, though his season could be in jeopardy.

Havlat, who hurt the shoulder in a game last week against Minnesota, was placed on injured reserve on Monday.

Martin Havlat will miss significant time due to injury for the third consecutive season.
(Kyle Ericson/Associated Press)

''It feels better, but it's still pretty sore,'' Havlat told reporters. ''I knew exactly what it was when it went out again. It was pretty similar to what happened at the end of last year. It shouldn't happen like that. There wasn't that much force on that arm.''

Havlat, 26, will undergo another MRI later in the week to assess the damage. The Czech player said if surgery is required, he will be probably be out from four to six months.

Havlat first seriously injured the shoulder while with Ottawa in the 2005-06 season, playing just 18 games.

Havlat was dealt to Chicago and signed a three-year year, $18 million US contract in the summer of 2006. 

He played in just 59 games in his first season with the Blackhawks after suffering an ankle sprain, though he still managed to lead the team with 57 points (27 goals and 32 assists).

Overall, Havlat has scored 130 goals and 162 assists in 292 games with Ottawa and Chicago.