Avalanche C Sakic undergoes back surgery

Jan 8, 2009 - 12:05 AM DENVER (Ticker) -- Colorado Avalanche captain Joe Sakic, who has endured an injury-plagued season, underwent successful surgery Wednesday for a herniated disc.

According to the Avalanche, Sakic is expected to miss another 10 weeks, putting his season in jeopardy.

Under a best-case scenario, the 39-year-old center would be on target to return in mid- to late-March.

"I understand that this was the best way for me to return to the ice, so now my focus and goal will be to get back as soon as possible to help my teammates in the final weeks of the season," Sakic said.

Sakic has not played since he was diagnosed with a herniated disc suffered during the first shift of a November 28 game at Phoenix.

"After weeks of rehabilitation, it was determined that surgery was the safest path to a complete recovery," Avalanche team physician Andrew Parker said. "This was our best option and the surgery went as expected."

Sakic has played in only 15 games this season, recording two goals and 10 assists. On December 9, he broke three fingers in an accident involving a snow blower.

The Avalanche have been hit hard by injuries, as Sakic's surgery came one day after Colorado placed defenseman Adam Foote on injured reserve with a triceps injury suffered in Sunday's 2-0 loss to the Minnesota Wild.

Centers Paul Stastny (fractured forearm) and Cody McCormick (foot injury) also are sidelined, while right wing Ian Laperriere is listed as day-to-day with a stiff back.