Carolina Hurricanes William Carrier has been out of the lineup since the start of the new year.
The Carolina Hurricanes could be seeing the return of an important piece just in time for the playoffs as William Carrier participated in his first team practice since sustaining a lower-body injury.
Carrier, 30, was a last-minute scratch on Jan. 5, and at the time, Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour didn't seem too worried about his status moving forward, stating he was just "iffy."
However, concern quickly grew as Carrier continued to remain off the ice and away from the team.
Brind'Amour stated a few separate times that he was collecting second-opinions and then it was eventually revealed that he would be out multiple months following a lower-body surgery in late January.
Now, three months later, he was back on the ice with the team, although in a limited role.
Carrier skated with the team in a yellow, non-contact jersey and didn't stay for the entire practice, but it was still the first time he had been on the ice with the team since January 3.
"That was his first time half-joining the group," Brind'Amour said on Tuesday. "I think he's still a ways away, but that's still a step in the right direction."
Carrier began skating for the first time on his own around mid-March.
The rugged winger had just four goals and nine points in 39 games, but had led the team in hits with 136 at the time of his injury.
Stay updated with the most interesting Carolina Hurricanes stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.
