Syracuse sophomore defenseman Nick Mellen will undergo a procedure on his shoulder and will be out for the 2017 season, according to multiple reports. Mellen had missed preseason scrimmages and the season opener against Siena while recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, but coach John Desko would not comment on whether the newest procedure was related.

Signs pointed to Mellen suiting up for the Orange sometime this season. He was the lone returner from Syracuse's close defense last season.

"He had an injury that he possibly could have limped through but I don't think it was worth taking the chance," Desko told Syracuse.com.

Former long-stick midfielder Scott Firman, Marcus Cunningham and Tyson Bomberry made up the close defense against Siena. They'll see more time this season with the absence of Mellen.

Desko also said that junior attackman J.T. Forkin will have season-ending surgery. Forkin played in seven games two years ago with the Orange, but transferred to play at Nassau Community College last season.

Syracuse will play host to Albany on Saturday at 3 p.m.