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Kimmo Timonen out ‘months’ for Flyers, chance for return 'slim'

Kimmo Timonen out ‘months’ for Flyers, chance for return 'slim'

Last month it was revealed that Kimmo Timonen, veteran defenseman for the Philadelphia Flyers, was diagnosed with blood clots in his lower right leg and lungs. His status for the 2014-15 NHL season had yet to be determined.

On Thursday, the Flyers offered some clarity: Timomen will be out “months,” through the new year, but hasn’t ruled out a return to the ice this season.

“My desire is I want to play. But the chances of me playing are really slim. That’s a fact. But I’m ready and waiting to see,” said Timonen. “There’s a little chance there’s a safe way for me to step on the ice, then we have a new discussion. But we don’t know yet.”

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Timonen, 39, had a 2013-14 season resurgence -- skating 20:20 per night, with 35 points in 77 games while being a puck possession monster – which earned him another 1-year deal in Philly.

His absence from the lineup created a significant hole for the Flyers, who attempted to address it with the addition of Michael Del Zotto as a free agent. He joins Mark Streit, Andrew MacDonald, Braydon Coburn, Nicklas Grossmann and Luke Schenn as the Flyers’ back line. Looking at the group … well, best of luck for a speedy recovery Kimmo Timonen.

The Finnish defenseman said on Thursday that even if he’s able to make it back after a few months, it will be his “last year” in the NHL. Hopefully this class act is able to go out on his own terms.