Colorado Avalanche captain Joe Sakic underwent surgery on Wednesday for a herniated disc and will miss another 10 weeks of National Hockey League action.

The recovery time puts his season in jeopardy, with the 39-year-old center looking at a return to the ice in mid to late March at the earliest.

"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 hasn't played since he was diagnosed with a herniated disc suffered during the first shift of a November 28 game at Phoenix.

"After weeks of rehabilitation, it was determined that surgery was the safest path to a complete recovery," Avalanche team physician Andrew Parker said. "This was our best option and the surgery went as expected."

Sakic has played in only 15 games this season, posting two goals and 10 assists.

On December 9, he broke three fingers in an accident involving a snow blower.