The Calgary Flames have received a significant boost with positive news regarding injured forward Martin Pospisil. General Manager Craig Conroy has indicated the energetic winger is making steady progress and could be back skating with the team in the new year.
Positive Progress After Lengthy Absence
Martin Pospisil has missed the entire NHL season to date, sidelined since exiting a pre-season game on October 1. The Flames have not disclosed the specific nature of the injury, but Conroy confirmed recent reports of positive developments, stating the player is "trending in the right direction."
"He should start ramping up soon," Conroy told Postmedia. "I talked to him and he’s feeling better on the ice. So I’m hoping as we get through into probably January, he’ll be back skating with the team."
The GM cautioned that while the outlook is optimistic, the team has experienced a couple of setbacks during Pospisil's recovery and will not rush his return. The 26-year-old Slovak's gear has reappeared in his stall at the Scotiabank Saddledome, a tangible sign that a return to the ice is nearing.
Cautious Approach for a Physical Player
The Flames are exercising particular caution with Pospisil given his notoriously physical style of play. The forward set a new franchise record last season with 301 hits, a tenacious approach that has made him a noticeable presence—and a target—around the league.
"He wants to get back playing, and we’d love to have him back sooner than later too," said Conroy, who signed Pospisil to a three-year contract extension this past summer. "We’ve had a long period with no setbacks. We’ve been taking our time with it."
Conroy emphasized that a return to practice does not immediately mean a return to game action. The timeline for Pospisil's playing comeback will depend on how he responds to increased skating and contact. "I don’t know when he’d play, but hopefully once he’s up and ready to go and gets cleared, we’ll get him back out there," Conroy added.
Olympic Berth Adds to Anticipation
Pospisil's recovery is being closely watched not only in Calgary but also in his home country of Slovakia. The speedy winger has already been named to his nation's roster for the upcoming Olympic Games, adding another layer of importance to his successful rehabilitation.
His absence has left a noticeable gap in the Flames' lineup. Pospisil's combination of speed, physicality, and energy provided a unique spark after he broke into the NHL during the 2023 season. Fans have expressed concern throughout his absence, particularly given his past history with concussions during his time in the minor leagues, though the team has not confirmed the current injury is head-related.
For now, the Flames and their supporters will monitor Pospisil's "ramp up" in the coming weeks, with hopes that a key piece of their forward group can rejoin the fray as the season progresses into its second half.
