Claude Giroux made a surprise return to Philadelphia Flyers practice Thursday, just six days after general manager Ron Hextall told reporters he’d be out two weeks with a lower-body injury.
Although the team won’t go into specifics on the injury, it’s believed the Flyers captain tweaked his groin last Friday. Giroux skated lightly Thursday and did some passing drills, but nevertheless it’s a positive sign the player who has led the Flyers in scoring for the last four seasons is back on the ice ahead of schedule.
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It’s unknown when the 26-year-old will be ready to suit up for pre-season action, but Flyers coach Craig Berube told reporters Thursday he believes Giroux will play in at least one game before the Flyers open their regular season on the road against the Boston Bruins Oct. 8.
“We have to make sure he’s healthy. We’re not going to put him in there and get a setback. We have to be real sure,” Berube said.
Giroux told reporters that he also skated on his own Wednesday and is confident he’ll be ready for the season opener.
“We’ll play it by ear and see how I feel,” Giroux said. “The most important thing now is Game 1…I’m feeling better every day.”
Giroux registered 28 goals and 86 points in 82 games last season. The 26-year-old has only missed five regular-season games since the start of the 2009-10 season.
