"When you're in concussion protocol, I think there are all kinds of steps you have to take and see how you react," DeBoer said. "The first one is light exercise, then a little heavier, then people around you, then contact. He's doing all the right things."
Pavelski left Game 1 and did not return. He did not play in Games 2, 3 or 4 and did not fly to Minnesota. However, he watched Game 2 at the arena and has been skating on his own before Monday's practice with a few teammates. The Stars do not typically allow injured players to speak with the media, so Pavelski has not talked about the incident yet. DeBoer said he had been having phone conversations with Pavelski when the Stars were on the road and talks with him at the arena. DeBoer was coach of the San Jose Sharks in 2019 when a concussion knocked Pavelski out for six games.
"He called me in Minnesota," DeBoer said. "We conversed between games. He's involved. He's watching the games."
Pavelski, 38, played in all 82 games during the regular season and was third on the team in scoring with 77 points (28 goals, 49 assists).
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.
Mike Heika is a Senior Staff Writer for DallasStars.com and has covered the Stars since 1994. Follow him on Twitter @MikeHeika
