Pittsburgh Penguins forward Matt Nieto underwent successful laparoscopic surgery to his right knee, the team announced Thursday.

Head team physician and medical director Dr. Dharmesh Vyas performed the procedure at the UPMC St. Margaret Harmar Outpatient Center. Nieto is expected to need six to eight weeks to recover.

Nieto, 31, last played Nov. 30 and was moved to long-term injured reserve on Tuesday.

He has skated in 22 games this season, recording one goal, three assists, nine blocks and 12 hits. Nieto has 203 points (86 goals, 117 assists) in 673 career games with the San Jose Sharks, Colorado Avalanche and Penguins.

The Penguins, seventh in the Metropolitan Division, play at the Boston Bruins on Thursday night.