James Van Riemsdyk Talks Concussion: A Fan's Reaction
The Philadelphia Flyers are slated to get one star player back from a concussion but the status of another remains up in the air. Danny Briere is going to make his return when the Flyers host the New York Islanders on Tuesday, February 7. However, James van Riemsdyk won’t be joining him. The young forward is still out indefinitely and there isn’t a clear indication of when he might return. After being mostly quiet for the past few weeks, the fans have finally heard from JVR. He spoke about his concussion and indicated a positive attitude about the situation. As a Flyers fan that is the best we can hope for at this point.
JVR is one of the key young players on this team. He performed at a high level during the 2011 playoffs and earned a contract extension with the team. He was having a solid season before he sustained a concussion in early January. JVR has missed the last 10 games and was ruled out indefinitely on January 14. He is one of many Flyers players to suffer a head injury. All of the other players have returned to the ice except Chris Pronger. The captain is out for the rest of the year. No one wants to see JVR suffer the same fate.
JVR has been practicing but he hasn’t taken part in full contact drills. He mentioned that he still gets headaches and has good days and bad days. Obviously the Flyers would need him to have only good days before he can return to the ice. It is a good sign that he is practicing and feeling better but the process is still going to take time. The Flyers are not going to take any chances given the ongoing problems with concussions.
It would be ideal if JVR can return soon. The Flyers have not had their full complement of offensive players much this season. For now it is just nice to have Briere back. Hopefully he can stay healthy and give the Flyers some momentum. The time will come for JVR to do the same.
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