Chris Phillips (back) is still considered week-to-week to return to game action, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reports.

Phillips (back) is still considered week-to-week to return to game action, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reports.

Analysis:

Phillips underwent surgery for a bulging disc in his back in April but has still yet to return to the ice. He will likely need several full practices under his belt before the club feels comfortable enough to slot the 37-year-old back into the lineup, so at this point he seems likely to be sidelined until at least the start of 2016.