Joe Sakic, Ryan Smyth return to ice at Avalanche practice

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. - Colorado's top three forwards - captain Joe Sakic, Ryan Smyth and Paul Stastny - are back on the ice.

Sakic went through a light skate before practice Monday. He's recovering from hernia surgery.

Smyth is coming back from an ankle injury and Stastny from an appendectomy. Both participated in practice and took contact. For Smyth, it was his first ice time since he was injured on New Year's Eve.

Stastny, the team's leading scorer with 49 points, has been practising and could return soon. He's listed as questionable for Tuesday night when the Avs play Anaheim at the Pepsi Center.

Coach Joel Quenneville said Smyth could return to action this week.