Schenn Attempts To Shed Another Injury
For the third time this season, Brayden Schenn is set to make a long-awaited return to the Flyers.
On Monday, Schenn, who suffered a concussion on Dec. 3 against the Phoenix Coyotes, practiced with active-roster linemates, Zac Rinaldo and Harry Zolnierczyk. The sign is a positive one, likely spelling his return.
Another return. From another injury.
Schenn’s move on and off injured reserve, whether official or non-official, has been a frustratingly common routine this season for him and the Flyers. The highest hopes for the labeled future star have been replaced with the lowest of disappointment.
Schenn has seen misfortune so great, that he is close to being marked with the most unwanted, despised label in hockey. Something so distasteful, uttering it is a curse. But evidenced by four sidelining injuries in 14 NHL games, Schenn is approaching the vaunted characteristic of being officially injury prone.
Sent to the Adirondack Phantoms to start the year partly because of his contract and partly because of a preseason shoulder injury, Schenn was brought up by the Flyers on Oct. 19. The 20-year-old, who was acquired as the cornerstone of a trade that sent captain Mike Richards to the Los Angeles Kings, entered the Flyers’ deep lineup with heavy expectation on his back and a fan base eager to see his value come to fruition.
Eight days later and four games in, he broke his foot blocking a shot.
With November spent recovering, Schenn reloaded the excitement of his debut and made his second entrance on Dec. 2. Finally, the future of the Flyers was back and able to contribute.
One day later, he was out again. This time with a concussion that would keep him out nearly all of December.
The head trauma was his third different injury in a Flyers uniform and fourth of his professional career. Schenn spent eight games with the Kings before a shoulder injury knocked him out.
Missing Schenn has also been no help to the Flyers’ plans, which had him penned as the third-line center entering the season. More importantly, the injuries have kept him from gaining chemistry and confidence in order to be a producing forward. As soon as his feet get wet in the NHL, it seems that the rookie is ordered out of the pool.
Setback after setback is undoubtedly frustrating for the young pivot, who is noted for his ultra-competitive attitude and leadership qualities. Injuries to his shoulders and head are particularly worrisome because of Schenn’s style of play, which is physical and tenacious. On the optimistic side, he’s young and the mishaps could be a result of some sick coincidence, set up only to make him stronger in the long run.
Either way, as Schenn readies for a return to the ice before the New Year, he and the Flyers can only hope that 2012 ushers in some good fortune and consistent health for their young would-be star.
Because if not, Schenn could go from bad luck to bad news.
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