An Update on the Predators MASH Unit

David Poile today gave an update today on a number of the injured Predators and their progress. Here is what he had to say:

Pekka Rinne

Pekka had arthroscopic surgery on an injured hip yesterday and according to Poile, this was not related to an injury suffered during his time in the KHL. The labrum was repaired and the injury was from normal wear that many goalies get from their movement around the net. Pekka and team officials consulted with specialists, and it was felt that the surgery was necessary to prevent a more serious injury and it was surgery from which Pekka could fully recover and resume his normal high level of play. Recovery time is normally four months, which means that if all goes well, Pekka should be ready at the start of training camp. His off season training will be altered significantly as he recovers from the surgery.

Colin Wilson

Wilson had surgery on one of his shoulders three weeks ago, and had surgery on the second one this past Monday. Both surgeries were to repair a subluxation, an instability that affects strength and mobility. Wilson is going through rehab and will be ready for training camp.

Gabriel Bourque

Bourque had surgery to repair a damaged MCL in his knee. The surgery went well and he has been cleared by the doctors and is skating again.

Sergei Kostitsyn

He had surgery to repair an injured MCL. He is skating and should be fully cleared by the doctors soon.

Brandon Yip

Fully recovered from surgery and is cleared by the doctors.

Paul Gaustad

His surgery was successful and he will be ready for training camp.

Matt Halischuk

Surgery was successful and he will be ready for the start of training camp.

Poile did not elaborate on the nature of the surgeries for Halischuk and Gaustad.

The Predators lost 130 man games to injury in the recently completed season. As you can see by the names listed above, key players were missing from the line up for extensive periods, and it is obvious that it impacted the play of the team.

It is good to hear that the surgeries have been successful. Obviously there is concern about the off season work and conditioning for Pekka and the question of whether he will be ready when the season starts.