Zach Boychuk, his left wrist fully healed, is getting closer and closer to getting into his first NHL game.
The rookie forward, the Canes' first-round draft pick, was medically cleared today to join contact work in practice. He hopes to play on the Canes' West Coast swing later in the week, either against the L.A. Kings or Anaheim Ducks.
"It was great to hear from the doctor today that everything has healed just perfectly," Boychuk said this morning after an on-ice workout at the RBC Center. "It's a new bill of health, like a brand new bone.
"I'm ready to get into some contact, build some confidence and play with the guys in practice. I feel good ... and I'm well-conditioned but I need that contact."
Boychuk injured his left wrist during the Western Hockey League playoffs last season and underwent surgery in Raleigh in July. He had another procedure early this month to remove a pin in the wrist, but was kept on the Canes' regular-season roster.
Boychuk, from Airdrie, Alberta, said a number of family members would be in Los Angeles this weekend for the games. And his trainer. And his agent.
"I'd definitely like to play," he said. "It would be a nice place to make my debut.
"I know they want to ease me into it and I definitely agree with them on that. I haven't played a game in four or five months, so it's probably good that I wait a little bit and get my slapshot up to where it needs to be."
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at 
Comments
No Rush
Mon, 10/13/2008 - 10:49 — JRs_FaultI'd hate to see this kid rushed into action, particularly against a physical team like the Ducks... where's the benefit, to Zach or the Canes? He's a first round prospect with plenty of time in front of him, with not so much as a Red/White scrimmage, much less an exhibition game at the NHL level. Will he really be ready?
Smartest thing that will be
Mon, 10/13/2008 - 12:25 — ant (not verified)Smartest thing that will be said all day!!! What's the rush???
I think the rush is that he
Mon, 10/13/2008 - 13:39 — Anonymous (not verified)I think the rush is that he can only be in the NHL for 10 games, before they have to decide to keep him or send him back to juniors.