PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik had hernia surgery on Wednesday and is expected to be back in time for the start of the 2011-12 regular season.

The 30-year-old Orpik had a similar surgery on his left side last year. Orpik will need six to eight weeks to recover.

Orpik had one goal and 12 assists in 63 games for the Penguins in 2010-11. His plus-12 plus/minus ratio ranked third best among Pittsburgh defenders.