The Anaheim Ducks will begin a northeastern road trip this evening, that in which they play the Canadiens, Senators, Maple Leafs and then finish off the trip playing against the Buffalo Sabres on the 19th. Due to the team leaving for a week it helps clarify which players might be returning soon from injury.
Alex Killorn’s Comeback
After returning to practice over the weekend, Killorn has surprised by joining the team for the road trip. Initially expected to be out for a more extended period due to arthroscopic knee surgery announced on January 20th, his swift recovery suggests a potential return within the next week. Killorn’s presence would undoubtedly provide a significant boost to the lineup.
Pavel Mintyukov’s Recovery
Pavel Mintyukov, sidelined for about six weeks with a separated shoulder, made a notable appearance at practice alongside his Russian partner, Ilya Lyubushkin. As a rookie defenseman, Mintyukov showcased impressive performance with 19 points in 40 games before his injury. With signs pointing towards his return, including rejoining the first powerplay unit, there’s optimism about his potential comeback during the road trip, possibly even tonight against Montreal. His return is expected to fortify the team’s defensive lineup and powerplay strategies.
Other Injury Updates
Mason McTavish briefly missed a day of practice, but there’s no cause for concern as he returned the next day. Despite the momentary absence, he continues to play a crucial role on the first power play unit alongside Pavel Mintyukov, Max Jones, Leo Carlsson, and Troy Terry.
John Gibson, who left Friday’s match against the Oilers, has been back at practice and participated in the morning skate in Montreal. His return to the ice indicates no significant worries. Meanwhile, there’s been no update on Trevor Zegras, who broke his ankle last month. Initial reports suggest a possible return within the next 2-3 weeks, offering hope for his comeback and a chance to turn his season around.
