Less than three weeks from the start of a lengthy civil trial and after eight years of litigation, former Colorado Avalanche centre Steve Moore has reached a settlement with Todd Bertuzzi and the Vancouver Canucks, according to media reports.

Details of the settlement are not available, but Moore's lawyer, Tim Danson, confirmed an offer has been made and agreed to.

Moore had been seeking $68 million in damages, and the civil lawsuit was scheduled to begin on Sept. 8.

On March 8, 2004, Bertuzzi, then with the Vancouver Canucks, jumped on Moore from behind, driving his body to the ice. Two more players piled on — one from each team. Moore lay motionless for 10 minutes before being taken off on a stretcher. He had three broken vertebrae and concussion. He hasn't played hockey since.

More to come