Arizona Coyotes: Michael Grabner getting closer to returning
By James Reeve
The Arizona Coyotes have been without Michael Grabner for quite some time after the Austrian winger suffered a horrific facial injury earlier this season.
Arizona Coyotes winger Michael Grabner has been sidelined with the injury since December 1st but looks to be taking the right steps towards a return to game action fairly soon.
Catherine Silverman, former Editor of Howlin’ Hockey and Coyotes writer for The Athletic Arizona, reported on Grabner’s participation in the team’s practice earlier this morning.
Silverman commented that the speedy winger wore a full-contact jersey and participated in the full practice with the team.
On Michael Grabner:
— Catherine Silverman (@catmsilverman) February 23, 2019
*skated in a full contact jersey today and stayed for the full practice
*Tocchet said he 'looked good' but still has a few areas that they need to make sure are good to go vision-wise before he's cleared to play
Getting close, though!
While Grabner is still some ways away from returning in a game for the Coyotes, the progress he is making after the injury has been stellar.
He was in high spirits the day after suffering the injury, but it was feared that he may not step foot on the ice again with persistent issues regarding his vision in the early stages of his recovery.
However, Grabs, as he is affectionately known, is now participating fully for practices with the Arizona Coyotes and could make a return to the team’s line-up before the end of the regular season.
Silverman mentioned in her tweet that Grabner still had some areas that still needed to progress with his vision before he could be cleared to take to the ice in a game.
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However, the fact he is no longer wearing a contact jersey and is a full participant in practice is a clear sign the Coyotes are finally starting to get healthy.
Prior to the injury, Grabner was having a steady season – registering 11 points (six goals, five assists) in 25 regular season games while averaging 14:05 on the ice.
His 49.6% Corsi rating might not sound particularly great, but the fact that the 31-year-old was starting in the offensive zone only 33.3% of the time shows how much Grabner contributed to driving play and helping in his own zone.
Having Grabner back on the ice could be valuable for the Arizona Coyotes if they are still in the playoff hunt and it looks like that wait could soon be over once he is officially cleared.
Next. Free Agent decisions to be made. dark
What do you think Coyotes fans? Are you pleased to hear Grabner’s progress? Will he dress for the team before the end of the season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!