Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg says he will not take part in next month's training camp and will not be ready to play in the regular season.
Zetterberg told Swedish media that he began to feel pain in February and has been able to rehab, but not properly train this summer.
The 37-year-old said he does plan to continue his rehabilitation in Detroit.
Zetterberg had back surgery in 2014, but in the last four seasons has missed only five regular-season games.
He has three years left on a $73-million contract he signed in 2009.
Zetterberg is entering his 16th season with the Red Wings. He played all 82 regular season games for the Red Wings last year, tallying 11 goals and 45 assists.