Bruce Fedyck – USA TODAY Sports
This past Friday, Winnipeg Jets defenseman Zach Redmond skated at an optional practice for the first time since teammate Antti Miettinen sliced the femoral artery and vein on the inside of his right leg during a game day skate against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena.
This freak accident could’ve been fatal, but thanks to quick thinking and action taken by Redmond’s teammates and the Jets’ training staff and after a three-hour surgery, he could be returning to Winnipeg’s lineup after six weeks of rehabilitation without any limitations. Five weeks prior to the accident, Redmond had been called up to the Jets from their AHL affiliates, the St. John’s IceCaps.
Returning to the ice and being cleared for full practice was Redmond’s first step in a process to a return advising the media that he’ll probably have to go through a week of practice prior to his considering a return to the lineup. It is likely that Redmond would play a few games in the AHL before returning to the Jets roster, but it’s unlikely that he’ll return prior to the post-season if the Jets make it into the playoffs at all as they are currently in ninth place with 44 points. Reports are that he would be ready for training camp come September (if the Jets fail to make it into the playoffs).
Stephanie Lewark is an NHL and Pittsburgh Penguins Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow her on Twitter (@steelcitysports), check out her Facebook page, or add her to your Google+ circle.
