The Colorado Avalanche will be without captain Joe Sakic for longer than they originally expected.
The team announced Wednesday, that Sakic will miss approximately three months after undergoing surgery on Tuesday night to repair three broken fingers and tendon damage.
Sakic, who was slated to miss up to six weeks as he recovered from his herniated disc in his back, injured his hand at home in an incident that involved a snow blower.
"Joe's surgery was performed by a hand specialist," said Avalanche Team Doctor Andy Parker. "The procedure went well and he's expected to make a full recovery."
Avalanche head coach Tony Granato was able to find humour in the situation.
"When accidents happen, you always wonder, 'Why did I put myself in that situation?'" Granato told the Denver Press. "The most important thing, like I said, is he's fortunate the surgery went well and in a few months, he'll be back to normal."
Sakic is actually fortunate that the injury was not worse. Reportedly the future Hall of Famer was attempting to dislodge some wet snow from around the blades. While the blower was off, when the snow was cleared the torque from the blades jammed his hand.
Sakic suffered five broken bones in his hand and required pins in all three injured fingers.
"It's a freak accident. It can happen to anyone," teammate Adam Foote told the Canadian Press. "His health is the most important. We'll worry about the hockey part after that."
"He's going to do everything he can to get back," Granato told the Canadian Press. "If there's anyone that's going to get back quicker than you're supposed to .. it will be Joe. I'm not worried about that."
Sakic has only played in 15 games this season, recording two goals and 10 assists.
The 14-13-1 Avalanche are currently in ninth place in the Western Conference.
