Andrej Meszaros to have back surgery

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Andrej Meszaros will be out of the lineup for six to eight weeks after undergoing surgery to remove a small disc fragment in his lower back.

Meszaros will go under the knife Wednesday in Philadelphia, the Flyers announced on Twitter.

The timetable for Meszaros' recovery likely means the veteran defenseman's season is over unless Philadelphia can reach the Eastern Conference semis in the upcoming Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Meszaros last played March 1 against the New York Islanders. The 26-year-old has averaged nearly 21 minutes of ice time this season for Philadelphia, who is currently ranked third in the Eastern Conference, three points behind the first-place New York Rangers.

He has seven goals and 18 assists in 62 games this season.