DENVER, Jan. 24 (UPI) -- Already without captain Joe Sakic, the Colorado Avalanche had their injury problems compounded Friday when they learned defenseman Derek Morris and center Serge Aubin will be out indefinitely.
Engaging in a fight with Columbus' David Ling during the second period of Colorado's 5-0 victory Thursday night, Morris suffered a blowout fracture of his right eye and was taken to a local hospital after the game.
"Derek sustained a facial fracture around the eye that will require minor surgery," Avalanche head athletic trainer Pat Karns said.
Acquired from Calgary prior to the start of the season, the 24-year-old Morris leads Colorado defensemen in scoring with five goals and 23 assists in 47 games.
A former Blue Jacket, Aubin was hit with a shot early in Thursday's win and suffered a bruised right foot. In his second stint with Colorado, the 27-year-old Aubin has two goals and two assists with 20 penalty minutes in 32 contests.
The Avalanche lost Sakic for up to a month when he sustained a broken right foot in last Monday's 1-1 tie against Dallas. The 33-year-old former Hart Trophy winner also has missed time this season with a sprained right ankle.
To replace Morris on defense, Colorado recalled Bryan Muir from its AHL affiliate in Hershey. In 27 games with the Avalanche this season, the 29-year-old Muir has two assists and 17 penalty minutes.
