Kesler takes next step in return from hip surgery
Posted Oct 5, 2011 03:28:39 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Injured Canucks forward Ryan Kesler took another big step today in his recovery from off season hip surgery, taking his first full practice with his teammates since the summer surgery.
“That was just the next step. Met with everybody yesterday. We thought that was the appropriate step to take. Can’t really get much more out of skating on my own at this point,” said Kesler. The Canucks second-line center has been cleared for contact but says he has no definite timetable.
The Canucks Selke Trophy winner underwent hip surgery on July 25th. It was originally expected that it would take 10-12 weeks to recover from the procedure, which would suggest an early November return. Today’s full practice could bump up that expected return.
Forward Chris Higgins was also missing from today’s drills due to a groin injury but is expected to be available when the Canucks open the regular season against the Pittsburgh Penguins tomorrow night at Rogers Arena. The newest Canuck, forward Dale Wiese, picked up off waivers from the New York Rangers Tuesday will dress and wear jersey number 32.
To make room for Wiese, the Canucks waived forward Victor Oreskovich Tuesday. Today, Oreskovich cleared waivers and has been assigned to the American Hockey League’s Chicago Wolves. Defenseman Ryan Parent also cleared waivers and will join Oreskovich in Chicago.
