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Monday, November 27, 2000
Doctor says Lindros is ready to play
Associated Press
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TORONTO -- Eric Lindros has been cleared to play again by
his doctor, six months after being knocked out of the Stanley Cup
playoffs with his latest concussion.
Lindros' lawyer, Gord Kirke, said the 27-year-old restricted
free agent was given the OK Monday by Chicago-based neurologist Dr.
James Kelly.
|  | | Lindros has had six concussions in the last 27 months, including one on a hit by New Jersey's Scott Stevens last spring. |
"He's ready to practice full out -- if he has a team," Kirke
told The Canadian Press. "But he's ready to go.
"He couldn't step into a game at this point, although medically
he's cleared to go into a game. But he's certainly at the stage
where he can get himself game-ready by practicing with a team."
Lindros has been working out with the York University hockey
team in Toronto. Kirke said he could be ready in a matter of weeks.
There are still hurdles to clear before Lindros returns to the
NHL.
The 6-foot-4, 235-pound forward has made it clear he will not
play for Philadelphia again, and Flyers GM Bob Clarke has said he
wants full value in return for the All-Star from any team that
wants to sign him.
"My only hope would be that Bob Clarke would approach it in a
businesslike way, acting in the best interests of his hockey club
but not out of spite or vindictiveness," Kirke said.
In recent weeks, the war of words between the two camps has
escalated.
Lindros has not played since suffering a concussion -- his sixth
in 27 months -- when checked by New Jersey defenseman Scott Stevens
while playing for Philadelphia in the playoffs last May. He was
appearing in only his second game after a 10-week absence due to
post-concussion syndrome.
In July, Lindros rejected Philadelphia's $8.5-million qualifying
offer. That means he has the right to sign with another team but
the Flyers have matching rights.
Lindros also can return to the Flyers or be traded.
"Several teams have expressed interest but it's all been on the
basis of courtesy calls to see how he is," Kirke said. "The true
measure or test will be now that he gets (medical) clearance."
The Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Rangers are believed to be
among the teams interested.
The medical clearance appears to close one option for the
Lindros camp -- an insurance policy reportedly worth $20 million in
the event that he was unable to play again because of
concussion-related problems.
Lindros had 28 goals and 32 assists in 57 games last season. He
has made six All-Star teams and won the NHL's MVP award in 1995,
but the Flyers lost that year in their only Stanley Cup final with
him.
Lindros came to Philadelphia in 1992 following a trade with
Quebec that included six players, two first-round draft choices and
$15 million.
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ALSO SEE
Lindros tuning up with York University team
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