Leclerc Eyes December

The Mighty Ducks will have to do without left wing Mike Leclerc longer than they expected.

Leclerc, who underwent surgery on his left knee June 26, said he would not return before mid-December, at the earliest. The Ducks had optimistically announced that he would be back a month into the season.

Leclerc, a dominant power forward when free of injury, will meet with doctors on Oct. 15 to determine his progress. He has physical therapy three days a week and lifts weights.

“I was told this was a six-month post-surgery rehabilitation,” said Leclerc, who made his first appearance at Duck camp Saturday. “I’m going to give this every chance to heal. I’m not going to rush it.”

Duck officials learned last month that he was not expecting to return until December, after a conversation between Leclerc and Coach Mike Babcock.

Leclerc, who played on an injured knee much of last season, was a key figure in the Ducks’ surprise run to the Stanley Cup finals, scoring two game-winning goals.

-- Chris Foster