McDonald Closing In on Return

Andy McDonald, who has missed 12 of the last 16 games because of a concussion, will be re-evaluated this week and hopes to begin working out next week.

“It has been pretty frustrating, but I feel for the last week or so I have taken some big steps and it’s getting better,” said McDonald, who suffered the concussion Jan. 9 against Colorado.

“Right now the focus is getting back to normal and not looking too far ahead because with these things you never know.”

McDonald will undergo a test this week that includes measurements of memory and the ability to concentrate and focus, “but no trivia questions,” McDonald said. If he continues to progress, McDonald will begin riding a stationary bicycle next week.

“I don’t know how cautious they’ll be,” McDonald said. “With the progression I have been having the last week, I feel it’s not going to be much longer.”

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McDonald’s injury is one of four to key players that the Ducks have been able to withstand this season. Center Adam Oates sat out 15 games because of a broken hand, defenseman Ruslan Salei sat out seven games because of a back strain and left wing Mike Leclerc was out twice because of knee problems, 11 games the first time and 10 the second time.

Center Jason Krog has helped to assuage the loss of McDonald. He has collected five goals and five assists since McDonald suffered the concussion.

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Former Duck goalie Guy Hebert, a part-time broadcaster with the team, will have his number retired at Hamilton College this weekend.

-- Chris Foster