SPORTS IN BRIEF

MacKinnon out

DENVER (AP) — The Colorado Avalanche will be without leading scorer Nathan MacKinnon for two to four weeks with an upper-body injury.

On the team’s Twitter account Thursday, coach Jared Bednar said of MacKinnon’s absence: “It’s not a great feeling when you lose a guy like that because of what he means to our team. But I’m excited for the opportunity it presents other guys.”

MacKinnon was hurt in the second period Tuesday against Vancouver after a collision near the end boards. He was sent back to Denver to be evaluated as the team continued its trip. The 22-year-old All-Star entered the day second in the league in points, with 24 goals and 37 assists. Colorado is pushing for a playoff spot a season after finishing last in the NHL with 48 points.

DeRozan player of month

(CP) — Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan was named the Eastern Conference player of the month for January, the NBA announced Thursday. It’s the third time in nine seasons that DeRozan has earned player of the month honours. He was named co-winner along with teammate Kyle Lowry in January 2016 and won for the first time in April 2015.

DeRozan averaged a teamhigh 25.3 points (second in the East), 5.9 assists and 3.7 rebounds in 15 games during the month of January and was the Raptors’ leading scorer seven times.

He shot .447 from the field, .333 from three-point range and .846 at the free throw line. DeRozan began the month with a franchise-high 52 points on Jan. 1 in an overtime win over Milwaukee.

Lions extend Steward

VANCOUVER (CP) — The B.C. Lions signed Canadian offensive lineman Hunter Steward to a contract extension through the 2018 season Thursday.

The six-foot-six, 315-pound Steward was eligible to become a free agent Feb. 13. Steward is entering his fifth season with the Lions. The 26-year-old Calgary native can play guard or tackle and has appeared in 44 career CFL games.