Calgary Flames winger Michael Frolik is nearing a return to the ice after spending the whole Christmas period out injured.
The big Czech winger, an off-season addition from the Winnipeg Jets, hasn’t suited up for the Calgary Flames since December 15th when he left the ice against Nashville with an upper body injury.
Since then, the Calgary Flames have been keen not to put a date on his return, initially stating that he’d be missing indefinitely.
Michael Frolik will return to practice wearing a no-contact jersey "shortly", according to #Flames Head Coach Bob Hartley.
— Derek Wills (@Fan960Wills) January 6, 2016
Derek Wills of Sportsnet 960 reports that Frolik will be returning to the ice for non-contact practice initially, per remarks from the Calgary Flames head coach. This should occur very soon and will obviously give the Calgary Flames staff a chance to assess where he’s at.
From there, they can look to expedite a return to the Calgary Flames line-up, though in light of the team’s recent performances, it’s going to be interesting to see who is the healthy scratch making way for Frolik.
Prior to going down with injury, Michael had seven goals and nine assists through 30 games for the Calgary Flames and had cemented himself a comfortable place in the line-up.
However since getting injured, Josh Jooris has stepped up his game as has Micheal Ferland, whilst Lance Bouma is now back with the Calgary Flames after his long stretch out with a broken leg.
Added competition in the Calgary Flames line-up is never a bad thing; competitiveness amongst the playing group should lead to greater competitiveness on the ice.
If Frolik nearing a return to action serves to keep Ferland and Jooris in strong form, it can only be seen as a positive for the Calgary Flames.
It seems likely that the big Czech will find himself back in the line-up shortly and in his preferred spot on the right-wing though; the Calgary Flames didn’t acquire him in the summer to leave him in the press box.
When he does, hopefully he’ll be quick to return to the form he was showing prior to his injury.
Next: Flames Scouting Assignments Creating Intrigue
What will the return of Michael Frolik bring to the Calgary Flames as the second half of the season hots up? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.