Ducks centers Ryan Getzlaf and Ryan Kesler have both returned to practice, notes Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register. Of the two, it’s Getzlaf (fractured cheekbone) that will be the quickest to return as he is hoping to play sometime next week, potentially as early as Monday. As for Kesler, who has yet to suit up this season after undergoing hip surgery in June, his return date is still in question but there is a possibility he will accompany Anaheim on their six-game road trip next week, though that may just be to continue to skate with the team.
More injury news from around the NHL:
- Predators winger Scott Hartnell has returned to practice and could be ready to return to the lineup on their upcoming three-game road trip, reports Adam Vingan of The Tennessean. He has been out since November 11th due to a lower-body issue. The veteran had gotten off to a good start with Nashville prior to the injury, collecting seven points in 16 games.
- Rangers center Mika Zibanejad will not be able to return tonight against the Devils, notes Brett Cyrgalis of the New York Post. He is dealing with concussion-like symptoms sustained from a hit on November 24th although they were late to appear as he actually suited up in their next game before missing four straight. There’s no timeframe for when he might get the green light to return.
- It appears that Florida could get winger Evgenii Dadonov back sooner than expected. He has resumed on-ice workouts and head coach Bob Boughner told Jameson Olive of the Panthers’ team site (Twitter link) that Dadonov will be back sooner than later. The 28-year-old is dealing with a shoulder injury, one that was originally expected to keep him out four-to-six weeks. He’s just two weeks into that so it appears that he is ahead of schedule in his recovery.
- Jets goaltender Steve Mason has passed through concussion protocol, reports Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun (Twitter link). Head coach Paul Maurice said that the earliest he will be activated off injured reserve will be on Monday and that depends on how Mason’s workout goes later today.