Kimmo Timonen announces comeback with Flyers: ‘I kept that hope alive’

Last August, Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Kimmo Timonen announced that he had been diagnosed with blood clots in his lower right leg and lungs. His status for 2015-16: out for “months,” with Timonen admitting that “the chances for me playing again are slim.”

Months have passed. And on Friday morning, Timonen will return to the ice and skate by himself, with an eye toward a previously unlikely comeback this season.

“I kept that hope alive,” said Timonen at a news conference. “I worked out really hard and meeting all the doctors, with [GM Ron Hextall] and the specialists. I feel really confident about skating and coming back.”

The Flyers said the decision was mutual, and that they are confident it’s safe for him to begin a comeback.

“There were a lot of people involved. Doctors involved. Specialists involved,” said Hextall. “We all feel the risk is minimal.”

The blood clots are categorized as “chronic,” said Timonen, meaning they won’t ever move from his leg.

How will he know it’s time to return to the Flyers?

“I’m sure I’m going to get a little sore for the first two days when I skate,” said Timonen. “I’m sure [the next] seven to 10 days, they’re going to be big for me. At the same time, I’m going to get that feeling back and get ready.”

The Flyers sit 10 points out of the last wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.

Watch part of Timonen's presser here: