Calder Winner Jeff Skinner Back at Practice
Jeff Skinner returned to the ice today, practicing with his teammates for the first time since becoming concussed. Skating is certainly a step in the right direction for Skinner but the youngster still has no timetable for his return. Below are some quotes from the 19-year-old, transcribed from his media session this morning.
“Pretty good. I haven’t been out there with that many bodies, that many pucks, that much noise. Sort of moving around. I wasn’t sure how I was going to react. I felt good, haven’t had any issues. I have to talk to doctors and take the next step hopefully.”
Any timetable?
“No. My parents ask me every day. It’s a tough thing to put a finger on just because of the uncertainty. We’re going through the steps and getting me back ready when to play. It differs from day-to-day. It’s up to the doctor, I don’t know the timetable.”
Skinner sounded like he was in great spirits but his return to the lineup is a big question mark. The Canes really do not have too much to play for this season so they may opt to rest their top sniper. As always, stay tuned for a further update on his status.
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UPDATE 12/28/11: A week later and there is still no status update on the concussed Jeff Skinner according to Sean Fitzgerald of The National Post, via Twitter. The reigning Calder Trophy winner last played on December 7th.
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UPDATE 12/22/11: According to Chip Alexander of The News Observer, via Twitter, there has been no movement on the Jeff Skinner injury front. On the bright side, the Carolina Hurricanes actually placed him on IR, which should give fantasy hockey owners a bit more roster flexibility.
Expect the team to take it slow with their young sniper, especially since they are playing meaningless games in a lost season.
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UPDATE 12/13/11: A few days ago, the Carolina Hurricanes denied that their star sniper Jeff Skinner had a concussion. Today, they announced that he was diagnosed with a concussion and is now sidelined indefinitely.
As a fantasy hockey owner, this news is hard to come by. Hope that he hits the IR and prepare to run your team without the incredibly talented sniper.
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UPDATE 12/13/11: According to Chip Alexander of The News Observer, Jeff Skinner is not expected to play Tuesday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs. While the reigning Rookie of the Year is not officially ruled out for the game, head coach Kirk Miller explained “As of right now I don’t think we’re going to have him.”
An injury that began as the flu turned into an undisclosed injury on Sunday morning. While Skinner and team has denied that it is a concussion-related injury they have provided little else on his status. Expect a further update on the highly-skilled forward.
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UPDATE 12/11/11: The Carolina Hurricanes recalled Drayson Bowman this morning on an emergency basis due to Jeff Skinner being out with an undisclosed injury. Skinner, who was deemed to have the flu on Friday, may miss a few games due to this undisclosed injury. Stay tuned for a further update
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ORIGINAL POST 12/9/11: Jeff Skinner will miss tonight’s game due to a bout with the flu according to Mike Maniscalco of 620 The Buzz, via Twitter. The team only traveled out West with 20 skaters so they will be forced to play a man short. Expect Skinner to draw back in shortly.