Anthony Duclair took part in his first full practice with the Florida Panthers on Monday since undergoing Achilles tendon surgery on July 2.
The Quebec striker has still not played this season.
“It’s a mental step more than anything else,” said coach Paul Maurice. He had been working for this for a very long time. It’s a wound that takes a long time to heal. […] It’s great for him to be able to jump on the ice. »
Duclair had been training in a no-contact jersey since mid-January. Maurice said it’s unlikely to see him in uniform during the Panthers’ next four-game road trip, which begins Monday against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center (8 p.m. ET; TVAS, BSN, BSWI, BSFLX, ESPN+, SN NOW). The Florida squad will return home to host the Anaheim Ducks on February 20.
“I don’t see him playing on this trip, but he will be very close to coming back when we get home,” Maurice said.
Duclair set career highs in goals (31), assists (27) and points (58) last season. The Panthers (26-23-6) are three points behind the Pittsburgh Penguins and the final Eastern Conference playoff spot.
