Ottawa Senators forward Jason Spezza is making progress as he recovers from back surgery.
But according to TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger, the 29-year-old is still closer to a month away from returning.
Spezza rode a stationary bike at the Air Canada Centre on Wednesday night and told Dreger that he has medical clearance to advance his workout routine a tad more.
Spezza, who had a herniated disc repaired on Feb. 1, had set a goal of returning by the end of the regular season in late April.
He appeared in Ottawa's first five games but experienced escalating back pain that became unbearable on Jan. 27 against Pittsburgh.
Spezza had the surgery five days later.
Last season, Spezza scored 34 goals and 50 assists in 80 games and played in the NHL All-Star Game.
