Defenseman Sarich improving after cycling accident

Veteran defenseman Cory Sarich is improving after being injured in a cycling accident July 21, he said Friday on Twitter.

"I am up and moving and may get to go home today," Sarich wrote. "I am extremely blessed to be sitting here sending everyone an update."

Sarich, 35, was struck by a motor vehicle while training in Invermere, British Columbia, agent Tim Hodgson said in a statement released by the Colorado Avalanche, for whom Sarich played last season.

Sarich said he sustained "five broken vertebrate and some serious road rash."

He was hospitalized in Calgary and said he did not have surgery and is not wearing a brace. The timeline for his recovery and return to the NHL is uncertain.

"I am blessed to be here and will most likely make a full recovery," he wrote.

Sarich played 969 games over 15 seasons with the Calgary Flames, Tampa Bay Lightning and Avalanche. He had one goal, nine assists and 38 penalty minutes in 54 games with Colorado last season.

He is an unrestricted free agent.