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Tanguay (knee, hip) practices with Avs, going at ’60 or 70 percent’

Dallas Stars v Colorado Avalanche

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 15: Alex Tanguay #40 of the Colorado Avalanche controls the puck against the Dallas Stars at Pepsi Center on October 15, 2013 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Doug Pensinger

Alex Tanguay has taken another significant step in his comeback from knee and hip injuries, but the biggest step still awaits.

Tanguay, who hasn’t played since Nov. 2, practiced with the Avs in a non-contact capacity in the hopes of upping the tempo and intensity next week.

“Right now, he’s pacing himself,” Avs head coach Patrick Roy told the Denver Post. “I’d say he’s probably going at 60 or 70 percent.

“Next week, we want to see some strength in the knee and his hip, so next week he’s going to push hard and we’ll have a better indication whether he’s capable or not of coming back.”

Tanguay, 34, had his season put in jeopardy after suffering a setback while recovering from his original knee injury — it’s how he injured his hip — and, four weeks ago, Roy said the situation regarding the veteran’s health was “not good.”

Acquired from Calgary this offseason, Tanguay started the campaign by scoring nine points in his first 13 games and provided a spark in returning to the organization he won a Cup with back in 2001. The hope is to get him back at some point, and have his experience and veteran leadership available for the playoffs (or, a playoff push.)

“I don’t want to put any exact (date) on things. But he’s going to play again I think,” Roy said in late December.