Gaborik expected to be out 8 weeks after back surgery

Marian Gaborik went under the knife, and he'll likely need a couple of months to recover.

The veteran Ottawa Senators forward had surgery to correct a herniated disc in his back Thursday, according to the club.

Senators general manager Pierre Dorion said team doctors advised them that players have been able to resume full training as soon as eight weeks after this type of procedure.

Gaborik visited a back specialist, who recommended the surgery.

The 36-year-old chipped in seven points in 16 games with the Senators after being acquired in a four-player trade with the Los Angeles Kings involving defenseman Dion Phaneuf.

Ottawa has been eliminated from playoff contention and has only two regular-season contests remaining.

Gaborik is under contract with the Senators for three more campaigns after this one at a cap hit of $4.875 million.