Injured Winnipeg Jets defenseman Zach Redmond was given a standing ovation during the first period of their home game Saturday against the Philadelphia Flyers.
"The whole week's been pretty crazy," Redmond said at MTS Centre. "Obviously everybody knows Winipeg's a great place to play; all the support that they have is incredible. Y'know, it's just been more than I could have ever imagined."
Redmond skated for a second straight day Saturday as he recovers from what was a life-threatening laceration to his right thigh, which occurred at practice Feb. 21."These little things happen, and they just kind of teach you that you can't take things for granted, they kind of put it into perspective," Redmond said. "Skating yesterday and today was amazing; it was great to get back out there again."
Redmond was injured in a collision with teammate Antti Miettinen prior to a road game against the Carolina Hurricanes. Miettinen's skate lacerated the femoral artery in Redmond's right thigh and severely damaged muscle and nerves.
The 24-year-old rookie said he is on track to recover and resume his eight-game NHL career. Redmond had been rehabilitating his injury at home in Michigan before returning to Winnipeg, where he will continue the process, train and skate. He trains three days a week to rebuild strength in his leg and works on his upper body twice a week.
NHL.com correspondent Patrick Williams contributed to this report.