Sakic takes another stride toward return

CENTENNIAL – Operation Farewell Tour seems to be right on track for Joe Sakic.

The Avalanche captain went through shooting drills with his teammates for the first time in more than three months Tuesday as he recovers from surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back.

Sakic, who has not played since Nov. 28, practiced for about 30 minutes before leaving the ice. He has not been cleared for full-contact practice and his return to a game remains at least a week away.

“No timetable,” coach Tony Granato said. “He’ll skate on his own for the next little while. As far as pinpointing an actual date he’ll practice with us, that’s still a little bit too far out there.”

Sakic was not made available to the media after Tuesday’s workout. He said last month he plans to return before the end of the season, but he has not thought about retirement.

“We’re happy that Joe’s getting healthy and he’s feeling all right and he’s starting to skate,” teammate Wojtek Wolski said Tuesday. “Who knows if he gets in a couple of games? I’m not sure if he will. I don’t think he wants to end his career on the IR, so I’m sure he’s trying really hard right now.”

Sakic, 39, began having back problems in November and sat out for about two weeks before breaking three fingers and damaging tendons in a snowblower accident in early December.

He opted to have back surgery Jan. 7 and has been working toward a return ever since.

“I’m glad to see him back,” forward Milan Hejduk said. “Hopefully, he’ll be able to play some games. It will be fun to play with Joe again.”

Though the Avalanche is out of playoff contention, the schedule sets up nice for Sakic to return for a possible farewell to his teammates and fans.

Colorado plays at home April 1 before traveling to Sakic’s hometown of Vancouver on April 5. After the road finale in San Jose on April 7, the Avs conclude the season with three home games.

Sakic, who turns 40 on July 7, nearly retired last summer before returning for a 20th NHL season. After he spent much of the past two years trying to recover from injuries, a 21st season seems unlikely.

“You want to at least play some games with him and enjoy it while it lasts,” Hejduk said. “We’ll see what his decision is going to be in the offseason but this could be it. You never know. He’s not getting any younger.”