DENVER - Captain Canada has been grounded.

Colorado Avalanche winger Ryan Smyth will be out eight weeks with a fractured right ankle, the NHL club announced Thursday.

"The fracture was discovered following additional medical tests which included an MRI exam," Avalanche head trainer Matthew Sokolowski said Thursday in a release. "We expect him to make a full recovery."

Smyth, 31, sustained the injury during overtime of Monday night's shootout loss against Phoenix. He had 28 points (11-17) in 36 games this season.

The Avs are now without two of their biggest stars. Captain Joe Sakic is out at least two months after undergoing sports hernia surgery last Friday.