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Oskar Lindblom skates with Flyers for first time since cancer diagnosis

Oskar Lindblom skates with Flyers for first time since cancer diagnosis

If you needed a lift, this might do the trick. For the first time since his cancer diagnosis in December, Oskar Lindblom skated with Philadelphia Flyers teammates. Not all of them, of course, because of Phase 2 protocols ... but some of them.

And, yeah, it seems pretty glorious.

Personally, I felt concerned about the idea of Lindblom being exposed in a return-to-play scenario. Luckily, it seems like cooler heads will prevail, as the AP’s Stephen Whyno reports that Lindblom won’t play in actual games if the NHL return-to-play plan actually pans out.

With that relief in mind, we can just enjoy the uplifting sight of Lindblom getting back out there. You might even feel like the room is a little “dusty” watching him skate and shoot:

Lindblom optimistic about recovery; Flyers impressed to see him skate

It sounds like Lindblom is making serious progress in dealing with Ewing’s sarcoma.

“They’re going great. I don’t have a lot left,” Lindblom said of his treatments, via Charlie O’Connor of The Athletic. “I’ll have it done soon. I can see the light in the tunnel right now, and I’m trying to enjoy my life after this. I can’t complain. People have it worse, and I’m happy to be where I am right now.”

Like many of us, Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher was impressed by what he saw from Lindblom.

“It was great to see him out there,” Fletcher said. “He looked really good on the ice, his hands are still there. It is remarkable to think that with all the treatments that he had had, he was able to go out there today and still show the skill and still have the stamina to skate for about 35-40 minutes. It’s a great sign for him, and very exciting to think that with all going will in the future, he’s going to return to play for us ...”

Fletcher spoke about how safe the Flyers’ facilities are, but there’s still some risk involved. Lindblom also has a way to go before he can totally put health concerns behind him.

But overall? This is fantastic to see, especially the sheer joy on Lindblom’s face in the photo on the left:

Most of all, here’s hoping that Lindblom continues on the road to recovery. If he eventually suits up for actual Flyers games -- when it’s safe -- then that would be even better.


James O’Brien is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @cyclelikesedins.