Washington, D.C. (WGR 550) – Buffalo Sabres winger Jack Quinn not only did his rehab skate on Wednesday, he also joined his teammates for the morning skate.
Back in June, Quinn tore his Achilles while training and needed surgery. He said his rehab is going well.
"I started skating about a month ago on my own, and I just gradually built up and learned how to skate again, working on mechanics," said Quinn on Wednesday. "I’d say I’m probably at a point now where I don’t have much restrictions, in terms of what I can do out there by myself."
Quinn was able to go up against the goalies, and he hopes to join teammates within a week or two.
Hearing that you’re going to be out an extended period of time is the worst kind of news a player can get. It was no different for the young Sabres winger.
"It was a lot of emotions. Really disappointed, really frustrated, because I knew right away as soon as I did it," Quinn said. "But I knew I had some time in the summer to get the first few months out of the way, which made it a little bit better."
Quinn was not on the ice when the injury occurred, rather during an offseason training session.
"I was doing band resistance sprints, and it was a lot of force into the ground," Quinn recalled.
Players that have long-term injuries like Quinn talk about not being around the team, and he admitted it was a rough experience.
"It is a little bit lonely," he said. "You can still be around the guys, but you’re not out there with them, and it does make it tough."
Washington Capitals winger Max Pacioretty has been through this type of injury twice, and Quinn has gotten a chance to reach out.
"He’s been great to me. He’s reached out a bunch, and has helped me along with the process, telling me what he’s gone through and giving me a lot of advice," Quinn said.
The 22-year-old has been told he’ll have a full recovery, and says he’s right on target for his return.
"When I got the surgery, my surgeon said we’ll try to get you back playing by January. In my head, I’m right on line with that," Quinn said.
The Sabres are schedule to have Thanksgiving off before hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday.
