Philly Sports Jabronis
Report From Philadelphia Flyers
Midway through the first period of the Flyers-Islanders game on Thursday, Flyers defenseman Kimmo Timonen announced that he will resume skating on Friday.
Timonen announced the following on his official twitter handle.
Timonen and Hextall also held an press conference to answer questions at first intermission and while the process to get clearance took some time, in the end, Hextall stated that both the Flyers and Timonen feel comfortable and that the risk is minimal.
“Obviously every time you step on the ice there’s risk, but we all feel the risk is minimal,” said Hextall. “So the plan as of now is that he skates tomorrow morning, by himself, and we’ll go from there.”
Timonen has not been on the ice since Game 7 of the Flyers’ first-round series-ending loss to the Rangers Apr. 30, a span of 281 days. Photo credit – BuzzOnBroad.com
Timonen has not skated since Game Seven of the Flyers-Rangers First Round series on Apr. 30, a span of 281 days, but was always cleared to resume workouts in the gym while on blood thinners as the tests and results were being finalized.
“I kept that hope alive,” said Timonen. “I worked out really hard and meeting all the doctors, with Hexy and the specialists. I feel really confident about skating and coming back.”
After signing a one-year contract extension on June 13, Timonen was diagnosed in early August with blood clots in his lungs and lower right leg which has kept him out of action and off the ice for the entire season thus far.
Timonen explained that the blood clots in his leg are classified as chronic, meaning they won’t move around.
Added Timonen: “We have a plan… I think the biggest thing for you to need to know is the bleeding factor. I’ve seen a couple articles that say ‘What happens if Kimmo gets cut on the ice?’ There’s no bleeding factor because on gamedays I can’t be on blood thinners.”
As for a timeline for a return? Timonen remains unsure mainly because of being off the ice for such a lengthy time, but tomorrow is a big step towards that goal.
“I’m sure I’m going to get a little sore for the first two days when I skate,” said Timonen. “I’m sure 7-10 days, they’re going to be big for me at the same time I’m going to get that feeling back and get ready.”
