[News] Flyers' Kimmo Timmonen being treated for blood clots

[Nehkara]

Flyers' Timonen being treated for blood clots

Flyers general manager Ron Hextall told reporters Timonen was experiencing pain in his calf for the past few days and went to the hospital Monday, when the blood clots were discovered in his lower right leg and in both lungs.

Timonen, 39, is hoping to be discharged Wednesday, but is unable to travel for 2-3 weeks. He will head to Philadelphia after that for further evaluation.

"He was working out hard and he was getting ready for the season, and then this happened," Hextall said. "I think he was as shocked as anybody. I haven't talked to him yet. I've reached out to him twice. He's in a hospital and he did send me a text, though. He seemed very frustrated, but I think we're all very happy for Kimmo, [his wife] Johanna and his three children that he's doing fine."

This is the second time Timonen has been diagnosed with a blood clot; he developed one in his foot after blocking a shot against Montreal Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov during the 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs. If Timonen is out long-term, the Flyers will have a hole on their blue line. Hextall intends to fill it sooner rather than later.

"We believe it could be a long-term situation," Hextall said. "We'll continue to evaluate what's out there and if we feel like we need to make a move we will, and I suspect there's a good chance we will.

I hope he is able to make a complete recovery and play this season. I'm sure it's not how he wants to end his career.

Kimmo Timmonen is 39 years old and had 6 goals, 35 points, and a +5 rating in 77 games played last season, averaging 20:19 of ice time per game.

However, at the end of the day the most important thing here is his health. I hope this clotting issue can be resolved permanently so he doesn't have any health issues down the road.

[Vinny01]

Heard Kerr talking about this with some Philly guy today. Says they might try and trade for a top 4 D rather than throw one of their 3 young promising blue liners to the wolves.

Wideman anyone? Obviously salary retained/cap dump involved but I could see him waiving for Philly for sure

[ForeverFlameFan]

Originally Posted by Vinny01

Heard Kerr talking about this with some Philly guy today. Says they might try and trade for a top 4 D rather than throw one of their 3 young promising blue liners to the wolves.

Wideman anyone? Obviously salary retained/cap dump involved but I could see him waiving for Philly for sure

50% retained would definitely have to occur if it's Philly. Not sure what I'd want from Philly, maybe a 2nd rounder and a B prospect. I think Wideman at 50% should get a better return than a lot of us would imagine. Lots of teams could use his offensive skills.

[neo45]

Originally Posted by ForeverFlameFan

50% retained would definitely have to occur if it's Philly. Not sure what I'd want from Philly, maybe a 2nd rounder and a B prospect. I think Wideman at 50% should get a better return than a lot of us would imagine. Lots of teams could use his offensive skills.

I agree in spirit but I cant see the Flames paying Wideman over 8 million dollars to play for another team, for only a 2nd and a B prospect

I think if we retain salary to trade Wideman, which I still don't believe the owners are even willing to do, then I think it will be less than 25% retained


And as for Timonen, he is still very good and this leaves a huge hole in their entire team

[IgiTang]

How can someone tell if they have blood clots? I recently had some major work done and I have no idea if I had a clot. Is there an indicator?

[CalgaryFan1988]

Originally Posted by IgiTang

How can someone tell if they have blood clots? I recently had some major work done and I have no idea if I had a clot. Is there an indicator?

You should probably talk to a doctor. But a quick google search came up with this. Fatigue is #1, shortness of breath, chest pain, etc...

http://m.activebeat.co/your-health/1...FWuCMgodsiMA-Q

[sureLoss]

Looks like his hockey career is done:

Frank Seravalli @DNFlyers
Kimmo Timonen says docs told him that he will probably need to be on blood thinners for the rest of his life. If on thinners, he can't play.

[Locke]

That is a damned shame. He was one of my favourite players. An absolute warrior and consummate professional.

[cznTiburon]

Their blue line looks pretty jumbled now. That team would be in a lot better shape if their elder statesmen pronger and timonen were actually able to play. Coburn can play top pairing but they need someone to step out of the mess to fill that void. Not sure del zotto is the answer either.

[Poe969]

This is really unfortunate for Timonen but the Flames need to cash in on this....

[Erick Estrada]

Sad way to end a career. Big blow to the Flyers as well.

[TheDebaser]

It sucks that he can't play, but thank god they caught this in time. Any one of those clots could have caused a stroke.

[Drury18]

There's a little more info in this article about his future. Not so cut and dry that he's on blood thinners and done. He does want to try to play this season, has not retired.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=730912

My desire is I want to play, but [the] chance of me playing is really slim," Timonen said during a press conference at the Flyers practice facility in Voorhees, N.J. "That's the fact. But I'm ready to wait for that chance and see how I feel."

Blood Clot condition is hereditary:

He said he has a hereditary blood condition that makes him susceptible to blood clots.

"My mom has this and all my brothers have it," he said. "I've had it all my life. The previous clots, it's usually some kind of trauma there, being hit by the puck and there's been bleeding and I might get some kind of clot. But once it goes into your lungs it's a different story than having a superficial clot."

The fact this will be his final season no matter what happens is why Timonen refuses to rule out the chance of playing in 2014-15.

"I'm ready to wait," he said. "If there's a chance and there's a safe way for me to step on the ice then we'll have a new discussion. But we don't know yet."