The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that captain Joe Sakic will be sidelined at least six weeks while receiving treatment for a herniated disc in his back.

This latest injury was sustained during his first shift of the November 28 game at Phoenix and he did not return.

"He’ll continue to be monitored by our medical staff who will prescribe a treatment regimen that will hopefully allow Joe to be back playing as quickly as possible," said Avalanche Executive Vice President and General Manager Francois Giguere. "Our team physicians are confident that this course of action is the best for Joe at this point in time."

"I’m comfortable with the plan going forward and will work as hard as I always have in order to return to the lineup," said Sakic.

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