Pavel Datsyuk could still be on the mend by the time the 2015-16 NHL season begins after undergoing ankle surgery.

The Detroit Red Wings centre has been forced to go under the knife to repair his right ankle after rupturing tendons. 

The team confirmed Datsyuk's operation on Friday, saying that he is looking at a three-month recovery, at which time he will be re-evaluated. 

That timetable could prove troublesome, given the Red Wings open their season on October 9 against the Toronto Maple Leafs and former coach Mike Babcock.

Should Datsyuk be not quite at 100 per cent upon re-evaluation, it could cost him a few games to start the year.

Datsyuk, who turns 37 in July, has not played more than 80 games in a season since 2010. He had 26 goals and 39 assists in 63 games last year, his 13th in the NHL.