Canes forward Justin Williams, who tore an Achilles tendon in September, could return to the lineup this week, general manager Jim Rutherford said today.
Williams was injured in a workout a few days before preseason training camp began. His rehabilitation from the surgery was expected to take four to six months, but he began skating with the team well ahead of schedule and was medically cleared for contact work last week.
"There is a chance he could play this week," Rutherford said. "We have a couple of practices coming up. We'll see how he does in those practices and then determine when he can play."
The Canes' next game is Thursday against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the RBC Center.
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at 
Comments
Why is Lavi still behind the bench?
Tue, 12/02/2008 - 18:25 — vance1167I'm going to go out on a huge limb here and agree with WAstout. My interest is in all time low. I was more interested in the last place time and at least the stars on that team showed up every night (if they weren't injured). The management of this team is a joke. The guy has only lost 7 of the last 11. I guess mediocrity is ok. At least we can say we followed up our cup win with almost making the playoffs three times, but didn't because the team played like crap every November/December with a terrible PP. I rather have a horrible team that would at least get some decent picks.
What a great message the management is sending to their fans....My support of this team is on life-support.
Now Cam hurt himself overworking. Poor Cam.
Welcome Back Willy
Tue, 12/02/2008 - 00:13 — WAStoutBut don't distract us from the issue of getting a new coach.
Glad he's coming back
Mon, 12/01/2008 - 23:39 — esteban1949But i too would be concerned...but time will tell.
Thanks Chip...and what do you make of this horse-puckey about the canes being a good example of a "sucessful " franchise model ?
Hoping for the best
Mon, 12/01/2008 - 23:34 — mdavidhallThis is good news, though I have to admit that I'm a little wary of Justin coming back too soon in a sign of desperation from the team. But, they are professionals with a medical staff that should have both the team's and the player's best interest in mind.
That said, I would hesitate to expect Justin to be any where near 100% for quite a while still. With the exception of a few periods late last season, Justin has not played NHL game-hockey in almost a year.
Williams is coming off of not one but TWO major injuries. I hope his return adds an emotional/psychological spark to the team, and fires up and serves as inspiration for some of the guys who have been floundering and/or suffering through nagging injuries. Above all else I think this team, not to mention the fan base, could use an emotional boost right about now. Perhaps I am overstating the obvious, but I just hope people are realistic in what their expectations are right out of the gate.
(Note: Rod Brind A'Mour is coming off ONE of the same injuries Justin suffered, and he is still not back to 100%. Granted he is a few years older)
And of course I hope I am proven wrong in my skepticism/concern.
Welcome back Justin. Your dedication to rehabbing and getting back on the ice well ahead of schedule is amazing and inspirational. It shows the grit and passion of a true warrior.
Here's to good health moving forward!
Go Canes!
-m
Lines
Mon, 12/01/2008 - 23:09 — larikatDoes this mean we can switch all the lines up? We need a catalyst...