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How are those guys who got hurt before/during the lockout doing?

Ryan Kesler

Vancouver Canucks center Ryan Kesler warms up before facing the Colorado Avalanche in the first period of an NHL hockey game in Denver on Tuesday, March 9, 2010. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

David Zalubowski

There were a host of players who were either injured before or during the lockout and now that the season is set to begin in just under two weeks, let’s have a look at how those guys are faring now.

Ryan Kesler - Vancouver Canucks

Kesler is recovering from surgery to both his wrist and shoulder, but it’s looking like the Canucks will be waiting a bit longer for him to return. Initial estimates had him out until December if the season started on time, but now it looks like we could be well into the season before he makes a return to action.

Claude Giroux - Philadelphia Flyers

Giroux’s European jaunt was cut short thanks to a rather mysterious neck injury in November. Some speculated it was a concussion, but that’s neither here nor there because he’s since resumed skating and, according to Renaud Lavoie from RDS, will be ready to start training camp.

Most of their defensmen - Philadelphia Flyers

The Flyers have more than a few worries with their team and Andrej Meszaros’ status is key for them. He tore his right Achilles’ tendon and had the season started on time, he would’ve missed a lot of action. Instead, GM Paul Holmgren expects him to be ready to go at the start of the season.

Kimmo Timonen will be ready to start the season after some offseason issues and Andreas Lilja is healthy again. One guy who isn’t any better, and likely won’t play again, is captain Chris Pronger. While Pronger will be visiting the team at training camp, he won’t be skating or doing anything hockey-related. If nothing else, the lockout helped the Flyers immensely.

New York Rangers v Washington Capitals - Game Six

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 09: Marian Gaborik #10 of the New York Rangers controls the puck against the Washington Capitals in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center on May 9, 2012 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

Getty Images

Marian Gaborik - New York Rangers

Gaborik’s rotator cuff injury admission at the end of the Rangers’ postseason run surprised many and when they found out it would knock him out of action until at least December, many worried how they’d score goals. Then the Rangers traded for Rick Nash and the lockout happened to allay those concerns. But how’s Gaborik doing? Good question.

There hasn’t been much to report on him since early September when he practiced with the team. Given his original prognosis, you have to think he’ll be ready to go, if not on Day one then soon after.

Marian Hossa - Chicago Blackhawks

The last we saw Marian Hossa, he was being carried off the ice after a brutal and illegal hit by Phoenix’s Raffi Torres that left him with a concussion. While Hossa had some difficulties over the summer, he’s since been cleared for action and is ready to go for Chicago. If the schedule makers are evil, they’ll make Torres’ first game back from his 20+ game suspension against the Blackhawks.

Nathan Horton - Boston Bruins

Much like Hossa, Nathan Horton too had concussion issues. The problem for Horton was that his came during the regular season last year and kept him out of the playoffs. Fortunately, Horton was cleared for action weeks ago and had to wait out the end of the lockout like the rest of us schlubs. He’ll be ready to go on the opening day of training camp.

Tuomo Ruutu - Carolina Hurricanes

The big Finnish forward won’t get a shot to play until maybe the playoffs this year, if the Hurricanes can get there. Ruutu underwent surgery on his hip and could have him out of action until May 1. With Carolina now boasting both Eric Staal and Jordan Staal as well as Alex Semin, not having Ruutu puts a crimp in their plans for a big season.

Adam Henrique - New Jersey Devils

The Devils’ young playoff superstar was one of many players who were fortunate enough to be able to play in the AHL during the lockout. Unfortunately for Henrique, he wound up breaking his thumb in November and he will likely miss the first few weeks of the season for New Jersey.