Avalanche star Sakic has surgery

DENVER, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Colorado Avalanche star Joe Sakic is expected to be out of the lineup for about 10 weeks after surgery Wednesday for a herniated disc.

Dr. Andrew Parker, the team's physician, said the operation "went as expected."

Sakic will rest at home for 7-10 days, a team report said.

"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, 39, was diagnosed with a herniated disc in late November and has not played since then.

The Avalanche captain, a former NHL Most Valuable Player, has 625 goals and 1,016 assists in 1,378 regular-season games in his career.