Senators general manager Bryan Murray believes Jason Spezza could be back in the Senators lineup in two to three weeks. "I'm optimistic," said Murray. "Two to three weeks seems like a fair time frame to at least project to." Spezza has been out of the lineup since Jan. 27 and had surgery on his back Feb. 1. Now it's just a matter of getting himself conditioned again. According to the Ottawa Citizen, Spezza will train a few more days on his own, then rejoin the team at practice.

Jason Spezza is still probably close to a month away from returning, according to TSN's Darren Dreger. Spezza has received medical clearance to slightly advance his workout routine. He underwent surgery to repair a herniated disc on Feb. 1 and was expected to need six to eight weeks to recover. It looks like he may be able to return on the earlier side of that timetable.

Jason Spezza (back) has been cleared to ramp up his workouts "a tad more." According to TSN's Darren Dreger, the Senators center was riding the stationary bike beore his team's game and told him that he's received "medical clearance to advance his workout routine a tad more." This is obviously good news but it remains to be seen how his progress will be as he tests his surgically-repaired back. He's on the fifth week of a recovery that was originally pegged for six-to-eight weeks.

Jason Spezza skated on Monday for the first time since having back surgery. Spezza is unfortunately not ahead of schedule, which means he still might miss the remainder of the season. He still might be available for the playoffs though if the Senators can find a way to earn a spot.

Jason Spezza (back) said Friday he hopes to return before the playoffs. Spezza addressed the media Friday for the first since undergoing surgery to repair a herniated disc. He said the issue started in training camp and got to the point where he lost all the strength in his leg during a game. Spezza is projected to miss six to eight weeks, which would put his return around the end of March at the earliest. Given that timeline, it's difficult to recommend holding onto him in most leagues.

With Jason Spezza out, the Senators will rotate the alternate captaincy. Erik Karlsson will wear it Friday night, while Chris Neil and Sergei Gonchar will also get to don the "A" while Spezza recovers from back surgery.

Senators GM Bryan Murray didn't provide a timetable for Jason Spezza's return following a pending procedure on his back to repair a herniated disc. He is hoping to get the team's top center back late in the season and possibly for the playoffs if Ottawa qualifies. The typical time frame for surgery on a herniated disc is six to eight weeks and Spezza has had back issues before.

Jason Spezza will reportedly undergo back surgery and is out indefinitely. Otatwa GM Bryan Murray is currently holding a press conference to discuss the matter. The team's Twitter account posted this message via Murray: "Jason Spezza is out indefinitely. Will have back surgery in Toronto on Friday." Reports indicate that the surgery is not considered to be major, but more details should be known soon.

Jason Spezza (upper body) won't be available for Wednesday's contest versus Montreal. Coach Paul MacLean said that Spezza is "still being evaluated" to determine how much longer he will be sidelined after he missed Tuesday's match against Washington as well. The Senators are being mum on his status, which is resulting in some speculation that he could be out of action for an extended period. We'll keep you posted.

Jason Spezza has an upper-body injury and won't play Tuesday against the Capitals. Spezza missed practice the last two days after getting hurt Sunday against the Penguins. Coach Paul MacLean wasn't sure whether Spezza would be ready to play Wednesday against Montreal. For now, owners will want to get Spezza out of their lineups and check back Wednesday after morning skate to see if he'll be able to go against the Habs. Peter Regin, 26, will skate in place of Spezza on the Sens' top line against Washington.