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Flyers’ Timonen admits chances of playing are ‘really slim’

Toronto Maple Leafs v Philadelphia Flyers

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 28: Kimmo Timonen #44 of the Philadelphia Flyers in action against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Wells Fargo Center on March 28, 2014 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Flyers defeated the Maple Leafs 4-2. (Photo by Rich Schultz /Getty Images)

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Kimmo Timonen and the Philadelphia Flyers aren’t ready to close the door on him playing in the NHL again, but the defenseman admitted on Thursday that his chances of playing are “really slim.”

The 39-year-old isn’t ready to retire outright just yet.

Hextall apologized that there isn’t really a “black or white” prognosis as of today, yet he at least narrowed things down a bit. He said Timonen will be out for months and that the team will probably take another look at his condition in early 2015.

Timonen notes that blood clot issues run in his family and that he might need to stay on blood thinners for the rest of his life.

The experienced blueliner notes that he can participate in exercise-like activities, but isn’t allowed to participate in contact sports if he’s still on blood thinners. He also noted that he won’t be skating anytime soon.

Timonen admits that it would be really frustrating if his career ends this way - “it wouldn’t be the way I wanted to leave” - yet obviously his health is the top priority. The best news is that he sounds pretty healthy overall.

For a look at how the Flyers will look without Timonen (for at least a few months), click here.

Follow James O’Brien @cyclelikesedins