Rostislav Klesla appears close to returning to the Phoenix Coyotes lineup after suffering a concussion during the pre-season.
Klesla was taken off the ice on a stretcher during an exhibition game against the L.A. Kings on Sept. 15, following a hit from Jordan Nolan.
Nolan escaped suspension for the controversial hit, however Klesla maintains the initial point of contact was his chin.
“If it wasn’t, I’m not knocked out,” Klesla told reporters on Monday, according to Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic.
Again, Klesla says his chin was first point of contact. "If it wasn't, I'm not knocked out."
— Sarah McLellan (@sarah__mclellan) October 7, 2013
Tippett/Klesla both say he's in shape. Klesla says needs one more practice of contact but he feels good.
— Sarah McLellan (@sarah__mclellan) October 7, 2013
The Coyotes also announced Monday that defenseman Derek Morris and Oliver Ekman-Larsson are “day-to-day” with upper-body injuries.