Marc Savard - Any word?

[NYR9394]

I know he skated before practice, but any word as to when he might see game action? If he could play by the beginning of December, I will take a flier on him.

[ridinryan44]

Same thing you're hearing. NOt necessarily early Decemeber, but I am hearing December. Sounds like he could be clear for practice within 2 weeks. At least things are looking up and not PMB-like.

[ridinryan44]

Interesting piece from Friedman...

Savard needed more rest: Dr. Cantu

Dr. Robert Cantu, author of 23 books about brain trauma, believes Savard would be playing now if he'd rested last spring. (Dr. Cantu has an autographed "thank you" picture in his office from Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron.) savard-marc-100307.jpgAnd that's why another doctor told Hockey Night in Canada that he wants to see more concussions - for now.

His name is Dr. Ruben Echemendia.

The NHL went to him and Dr. Mark Lovell in 1997, asking them to establish the neuropsychological - or "baseline" - test that helps monitor concussion symptoms. It allows teams to get a better handle on when a player is truly recovered.

This was his first-ever TV interview.

The NHL is averaging 75 recognized concussions per season since the lockout, down from a high of 109 in 2000-01. This year's total is poised to smash the record.

When I asked Dr. Echemendia if he had a target number he wanted to drop to, he blew me away by saying he wanted to see the total increase in the short term.

"It sounds counter-intuitive, but the reason I say that is that means we have more awareness. We know that we're doing our job when the rate of concussions increases. But, if we start seeing an increase in the severity of the concussions, or a longer duration of the symptoms, then I would certainly be concerned."

Is that happening?

Link

[MoreCanadianTeams]

Yeah, I caught the interview on Saturday's preview. It took me aback when the Dr. said he'd like to see the # go up but his explanation totally makes sense. Thanks for posting it here. As for return date, yeah I've been adding pieces as I've found them to the original Savard thread, but nothing definitive other than no set backs and continued progression, so December return still possible.