Kurt Sauer is likely to return to the Avalanche lineup before the end of the regular season — a statement nobody could make until recently.
The defenseman has been diagnosed with whiplash, a condition with a more certain medical prognosis than the murky world of post-concussion syndrome, which is what Sauer and the Avs initially feared.
Sauer, who was arguably the team’s best defenseman until he was injured Nov. 30 at San Jose, skated Thursday and said he could return to practice on Monday.
“We got the news on the (last) road trip that there was some progress, and that’s encouraging,” coach Joel Quenneville said. “We feel like, down the stretch, he’s going to be a big part of (things). We’re happy to see him out here.”
Smyth update
In other medical news, winger Ryan Smyth (fractured right ankle) said his recovery is on schedule. But he said not to expect him to return sooner than the original eight-week projection. Smyth was injured New Year’s Eve in Phoenix and is expected to return around March 1.
Cy Young winner
Marek Svatos has 20 goals and two assists. What do they call guys with stat lines like that?
Cy Young, it turns out. A line of 20-2 is a pretty good one for a pitcher, after all.
“He’s the Cy Young leader in the clubhouse, for sure,” Quenneville said.
Adrian Dater
