Leclerc Relieved as Healing Begins

Left wing Mike Leclerc has slept a good deal better the last few nights, after undergoing arthroscopic surgery Wednesday to remove damaged cartilage from his right knee.

“At least I know now what was wrong,” he said. “It’s a load off my mind.”

Leclerc, expected to be sidelined three to four weeks, walked around the Duck dressing room without the aid of crutches Friday. His knee was swollen and sore, but it won’t be long before he’s cleared to ride a stationary bicycle.

“I’m working right now on getting my range of motion back and keeping the muscles active,” said Leclerc, who was the Ducks’ second-leading scorer with 30 points when he was injured Dec. 28.

“Hopefully, I can pick up right where I left off and not have to start all over again.”

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Left wing Paul Kariya skated for a third consecutive day, but did not join his teammates for Friday’s morning skate. Coach Guy Charron is uncertain when Kariya will participate in a full-speed practice.

“I don’t know whether he’ll skate [today] in full gear with his teammates or if he goes on his own again,” Charron said of Kariya, sidelined for 14 games because of a broken right foot suffered Dec. 17.

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Centers Andy McDonald and Steve Rucchin continue to suffer from concussions. McDonald has been sidelined for five games. Rucchin has missed all but two games since suffering a broken nose and cheekbone Nov. 15. Neither player has been cleared to resume skating.