Siegenthaler Return Immient
Devils defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler’s return to the lineup appears imminent. Perhaps even as early as Tuesday night in Washington.
“Now he’s got a couple practices in him. He’ll be available to play,” head coach Lindy Ruff said. “We’ll look at him for tomorrow’s game and getting back in.”
“I feel ready. I feel good on the ice,” Siegenthaler said. “I’m excited to play again.”
Siegenthaler has been out of the lineup since suffering a broken foot while blocking a shot on Jan. 6 against Vancouver. He knew immediately there was an issue.
“I stepped on my foot again and it didn’t feel right,” he said. “I knew something was wrong there.”
Siegenthaler followed an intense rehab program to get back into the lineup. The first 10 days after the injury he couldn’t even walk. And just six weeks later, he’s at full speed.
“I started walking after 10 days. The first couple days were hard just walking on crutches,” he said. “I couldn’t move a lot. I was excited after those 10 days to get moving again in the gym. The last two weeks I’ve been on the ice, which felt pretty good as well.”
When Siegenthaler does return, he’ll have a lot of adjusting to do. Not just with his transition back to game shape, but also the Devils new defensive zone schemata.
“I watched a lot of games those six weeks. I’ve been paying attention to details, stuff we switched,” he said. “I want to make the transition as smooth as possible whenever I get in a game.”
While Siegenthaler is ready to get back on the ice, there will still be some remnants of the injury.
“There still a little bit of pain but I think that’s normal,” he said. “It’s been six weeks now, but I feel ready.”