Erie Otters GM Sherry Bassin said today that G Oscar Dansk only has a “minor issue” in one knee. In contrast, the Columbus Dispatch has reported today that Dansk has minor sprains in both knees. Dansk, a Columbus Blue Jackets draft pick, was evaluated by doctors from the Blue Jackets on Wednesday.
The Dispatch also reported Dansk won’t need surgery, but won’t be able to skate for the next two or three weeks. Yet Bassin said Dansk can skate 30 minutes per day as long as he feels well, and he can increase the amount of time Dansk spends on the ice as he progresses.
Club officials will remain cautious with Dansk, Bassin said, but he hasn’t ruled Dansk out for the season opener Sept. 20 at Niagara. Bassin is taking a similar approach with forward Dane Fox, who continues to recover from a fractured bone in his left foot. Bassin doesn’t expect Fox will be ready for the opening weekend of games, but Fox hasn’t been ruled out either.
In other news, second-year LW Sondre Olden and rookie D Artem Kuleshov arrived in Erie on Wednesday and participated in their first practice with the team. But neither will play in tonight’s preseason game against the IceDogs.
- Victor Fernandes