A player ahead of schedule on an injury recovery is not the same as a player returning to a lineup. Not even close.
But word that veteran center Andrew Copp is just a bit farther down the road to recovery is certainly encouraging for a Detroit Red Wings team that is trying to compete for an NHL postseason spot without three regular centers. The Red Wings play the Montreal Canadiens Thursday in a critical game in the playoff race.
Red Wings coach Todd McLellan said after today’s practice Copp is indeed ahead of schedule but isn’t sure he is ready to play immediately. Detroit plays Boston Saturday “I know (Copp’s) chomping at the bit to get back and help his team out,” McLellan said. “So the sooner the better.”
The other two injured centers, Dylan Larkin and Michael Rasmussen, are still scheduled to be reevaluated at the end of this week to see where they are in their recovery. Larkin hasn’t played since March 6.
Day-to-day forward Michael Brandsegg-Nygard is close to returning.
“He said he’s feeling pretty good now,” McLellan said. “The medical team will have to get involved with him and determine if he’s good to go (Thursday) or not. But that’s a real positive sign. I can’t tell you whether he’s going to play tomorrow or not.”