Eric Brewer has two seasons remaining on a four-year deal worth $17 million US.Eric Brewer has two seasons remaining on a four-year deal worth $17 million US. (Brian Kersey/Getty Images)

Eric Brewer likely will begin the upcoming NHL season the way he finished the 2008-09 campaign — on the sidelines.

The St. Louis Blues defenceman has undergone arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, a minor setback for a player coming off two back operations.

Brewer is expected to miss two to four weeks of action, putting his return for St. Louis's Oct. 2 season opener very much in doubt.

Brewer played only 28 games last season before undergoing surgery in December to repair a herniated disc in his back. The Blues' captain had a second back operation in April.

The 30-year-old Brewer had a goal and six points last season and has two years remaining on a four-year, $17-million US contract.