Karlsson takes a break, but not a step back in recovery
BRUCE GARRIOCH
SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — Captain Erik Karlsson made the trip to Hockeyville with the Senators but he didn’t step on the ice.
Don’t worry, he hasn’t taken a step back in his recovery.
Coach Guy Boucher told reporters Monday the club’s top defenceman, who had foot surgery in June to repair a tendon issue, is headed in the right direction to return to the club’s lineup but the plan ways always to keep him off skates for two days after Karlsson was on the ice with the Senators Saturday morning.
Karlsson will skate Wednesday morning in Ottawa before the Senators head to Winnipeg to face the Jets at the MTS Centre that night.
“That was originally the plan,” Boucher said. “I think I said to the media (Saturday) he was supposed to be two days without going on the ice because (the medical staff ) needed to see what were the repercussions of going on the ice and apparently it went really well.”
Karlsson had an issue with the way the incision was healing but Boucher said he’s made great progress in that area as well.
“Even the skin part — which was the issue because (or) he would have been on the ice (earlier) _ (that) was taking a bit more time to heal than expected and, now, apparently that’s going really well. That’s positive,” Boucher added.
The belief is if Karlsson can make enough progress in the next week he’ll be ready to suit up Oct. 5th against the Washington Capitals in the season opener but the Senators aren’t ready to commit to a timeline.
“It’s the second step in the process,” Boucher said. “The first step was the off-ice and the second step is to grow the on-ice. I’ll be honest with you I have no idea where it’s at right now, it’s really a medical thing.
“It won’t be a hockey thing: It won’t be is his mind ready or are his skills ready? It’s really a medical thing and I’m waiting for the trainers to tell me we’re going to step three which will be, at some point, to push hard and get the physicality in the practices but we’re not there yet.”