"Marek sustained a fracture in his right shoulder, which was discovered during an MRI and the subsequent result is that he will require surgery," said Avalanche Head Trainer Matt Sokolowski. "We expect him to make a complete recovery in four to five months." Sokolowski added: "It's important to note that this injury is to the right shoulder while both of his previous shoulder injuries were to his left shoulder."

Svatos' injury represents the third player to suffer a season-ending injury this season following the loss of Steve Konowalchuk in November (wrist) and Ossi Vaananen in February (leg).

Svatos, 23, ends his 2005-06 rookie campaign as the club's leading goal scorer (32), second among NHL rookies in goals and third among all rookies in points (50). At the time of his injury, his nine game-winning goals led the NHL and tied the all-time NHL record for GW goals by a rookie.

He set records for most goals by an Avalanche rookie (since 1995-96); most power play goals by a rookie in franchise history (12 - tied with Anton Stastny); first penalty shot goal by a rookie in franchise history. Svatos also matched a franchise record for most points in a single game by a rookie (four on Oct. 10 vs. Calgary).